If you’re searching for a unique twist on traditional Italian focaccia that bursts with tangy, savory flavors, the Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. This wonderfully fluffy bread harmonizes the zing of dill pickles with a creamy garlic sauce and a golden, cheesy crust, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, an appetizer, or a side, this recipe delivers a fresh and unexpected experience that will have your friends asking for the secret, and now you get to be the one to share it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet pack a powerful punch in flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role in creating that perfect balance between soft bread, tangy pickle, and aromatic herbs.
- Warm water (1 cup): Essential for activating the yeast and creating a light, airy dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 tsp): Helps the dough rise beautifully, giving focaccia its signature fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tangy flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil (â…“ cup): Contributes rich flavor and keeps the crumb tender and moist.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Infuses the dough with classic herbaceous notes that pair perfectly with dill and garlic.
- Minced garlic (2 tsp): Adds a punchy, aromatic depth that shines in every bite.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp + ½ tsp): Enhances all flavors while balancing the richness of the cheese and mayo.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone for structure and chewy bread texture.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Brings creaminess and slight tang to the savory garlic sauce layer.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds smoothness and moisture to the sauce for extra indulgence.
- Whole milk (2 tbsp): Combines with mayo and sour cream for a luscious sauce consistency.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Lifts the sauce with a fresh brightness that complements dill pickles.
- Dill weed (½ tsp): Intensifies the dill flavor, making it truly irresistible.
- Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Offers a subtle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Dill pickle slices (25-30): The star ingredient that delivers wonderful crunch and tang with every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that’s pure comfort food.
- Fresh dill (for garnish): Adds a vibrant, herbal finish that makes the bread look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough
Begin by taking warm water, yeast, and sugar and whisk them together gently. Allow this mixture to rest for 5 minutes—it’s like your kitchen magic moment to see the yeast start bubbling and waking up. Meanwhile, prepare an olive oil blend with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Half this fragrant oil combo will be added to the yeast mix to enrich the dough with those lovely herbs and flavors.
Step 2: Combine and Rise the Dough
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour until everything comes together in a sticky, elastic ball. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover it up cozily, and let the dough rise in a warm spot for an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in size, becoming soft and bouncy—a perfect canvas for the toppings ahead.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Dill Sauce
While your dough is rising, whip up that irresistible sauce. In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. This sauce will crown your focaccia with a luscious zing that pairs wonderfully with the salty pickles.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet
Preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F (230°C) because the final bake needs high heat to create that perfect golden crust. Grab a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and generously brush the remaining olive oil mixture on the bottom and sides. This layer ensures a crispy, flavorful edge that’s so charming in focaccia.
Step 5: Assemble the Focaccia
Press your risen dough right into the skillet, pushing gently to fill every corner. Use your fingers to create those classic dimples that are both decorative and functional—they trap little pools of delicious sauce and olive oil. Spread the garlic dill sauce evenly all over, then layer on the dill pickle slices like little savory jewels. Finish by scattering shredded mozzarella cheese on top—this will melt into a glorious blanket of gooey goodness.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes. Your nose will tell you when it’s ready—the scent of toasted garlic, melted cheese, and warm dill is simply irresistible. Once the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is luscious and bubbly, it’s time to pull your masterpiece out and let it cool just a little.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top for that vibrant herbaceous pop and lovely color contrast. Now, your Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is ready to dazzle on your table.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is a must-have garnish that not only adds a pretty green flourish but also boosts the delightful dill flavor. For an extra kick, a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving adds a refined touch that makes each slice taste even more special.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs wonderfully with creamy soups such as tomato bisque or a tangy cucumber salad to echo the pickle’s bite. It also shines alongside charcuterie boards where the bread offers something unexpected and vibrant amid cheeses and cured meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe into charming squares or strips for easy sharing at parties or game days. For a novel twist, try serving it with a spread of flavored cream cheese or artisan mustard to give guests a flavor adventure worth remembering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover focaccia keeps beautifully in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. This way, the bread maintains its soft crumb and flavorful topping without drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy later, wrap individual slices or the whole focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn and locks in freshness. Frozen focaccia can last up to three months and is perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, uncovered, to revive its crispy crust and warm the cheesy topping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture just right—oven reheating is definitely the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can experiment with provolone, Havarti, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the tang of the pickles.
Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?
Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a wonderfully crispy crust and even baking, but if you don’t have one, a heavy oven-safe baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet will work—just make sure to oil it well.
Can I substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise in the sauce?
These ingredients add creaminess and tang, but if you prefer, you can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or extra olive oil. The flavor may shift slightly, but the sauce will remain delicious.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mayo and yogurt substitutes, and replace mozzarella with a non-dairy cheese that melts well. The dill pickle and garlic flavors still shine through beautifully.
How long does the dough need to rise?
An hour in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size is ideal. This time activates the yeast fully, resulting in that perfect fluffy texture that distinguishes good focaccia from great focaccia.
Final Thoughts
If you love a fun, flavorful bread that’s a little bit unexpected and bursting with character, the Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is a must-try. It’s a delightful way to bring something new into your baking rotation and impress everyone around your table. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make a focaccia that’s as charming as it is delicious!
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Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread combines the savory flavors of dill pickles and mozzarella cheese with a fluffy, herb-infused focaccia dough. Topped with a garlicky sauce and fresh dill garnish, it delivers a unique twist on traditional focaccia that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Garlic Sauce Ingredients
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dill weed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings
- 25–30 dill pickle slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. In a separate small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Pour half of this oil mixture into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and stir to form a dough. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the garlic sauce: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well mixed.
- Preheat oven and prepare skillet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the remaining half of the olive oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the skillet with the oil.
- Assemble focaccia: Take the risen dough and press it into the prepared skillet, pushing the dough evenly to the edges. Use your fingers to create characteristic dimples across the surface of the dough. Spread the garlic sauce evenly over the top of the dough. Arrange the dill pickle slices over the sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The focaccia is ready when the crust turns golden brown and the mozzarella cheese becomes bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped dill. Slice and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature for activating yeast is precise between 105°F and 115°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute dill pickles with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor variant.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use any oven-safe skillet or a baking sheet, adjusting baking time as needed.
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone or bake sheet.
- The focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to refresh the crust.
