I’ve put together a bold and quirky twist on traditional pizza with this Pickle Pizza topped with creamy ranch, melted cheese, and tangy dill pickles. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings together smooth, salty, and slightly sour elements for a surprisingly crave-worthy bite. Pickle Pizza with Ranch & Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this pizza is to make, and how it delivers such a unique flavor punch with just a few ingredients. The ranch sauce base gives it a rich, herby creaminess that pairs perfectly with the salty, tangy kick of pickles. Plus, it’s a fun conversation-starter meal—perfect for when I want something different from classic red sauce pizza.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ball of pizza dough (about 12-inch round)
½ cup ranch dressing
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
¾ cup dill pickle slices (thinly sliced)
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (for garnish)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the outer crust edge with olive oil.
Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and white cheddar evenly over the ranch layer.
Top with the dill pickle slices, spacing them out so they cover most of the surface. If using, scatter the sliced garlic over the top.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with dill and, if desired, red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use different cheese blends like smoked provolone or fontina to mix up the flavor.
If I want a lighter version, I go with a thin crust and use low-moisture mozzarella to help control how wet the pizza gets.
I add chopped jalapeños for a spicy version or mix ranch with a little sour cream for a tangier sauce base.
When I want more texture, I toast the pickles lightly on a pan before adding them to the pizza.
Swapping in a gluten-free dough also works great without sacrificing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, I store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To bring back the crispness, I reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. I avoid the microwave unless I’m in a rush, as it tends to soften the crust too much.

FAQs

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

I pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels before adding them. Using low-moisture cheese and a preheated baking surface also helps keep the crust crisp.

Can I use different types of pickles?

Yes. I like using classic dill pickles, but spicy dill or garlic pickles also work. I avoid sweet pickles for this recipe since they can throw off the flavor balance.

Can I make this with store-bought dough?

Absolutely. I often use pre-made dough when I want to save time, and it works just as well as homemade.

What can I do if I want even more flavor?

I boost the flavor by adding a little extra garlic, more dill, or mixing in a flavored ranch dressing like chipotle or jalapeño ranch.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes—if the kids like pickles! I sometimes tone down the amount of pickles for younger eaters or use milder cheese blends.

Conclusion

I always enjoy making this pickle pizza when I want something fun and different. It’s simple, quick, and packs so much flavor into every slice. The creamy ranch, melty cheese, and tangy pickles come together better than I ever expected—and I think it’ll be a hit every time I serve it.