Introduction

Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is a unique and flavorful twist on classic focaccia, combining a soft, airy crust with tangy dill pickles and a creamy garlic-dill sauce. This savory bread is perfect as an appetizer or a fun main course for pickle lovers looking to try something different.

A close-up of a slice of food held by a woman's hand showing three visible layers: a slightly browned melted cheese top layer with small herbs sprinkled, a middle layer of green pickles or peppers visible through the edges, and a creamy white thick base layer at the bottom that looks soft and slightly textured, all resting on a light background with partial view of more pieces behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm water, 105°F to 115°F
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅓ cup (72 g) extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic, minced (divided)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (172.5 g) sour cream
¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon dill weed
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
25-30 dill pickle slices
2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Pour half of this oil mixture into the yeast mixture and set the remaining half aside.
Step 3: Add the flour to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, dill weed, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and use a pastry brush or your fingers to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
Step 6: Transfer the risen dough into the skillet and press it out to the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough surface.
Step 7: Spread the prepared garlic sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange the dill pickle slices on top of the sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pickles.
Step 8: Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped dill before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try using homemade or refrigerated dill pickles that are crunchy and not too watery.
If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a rimmed baking sheet greased with olive oil works well.
Add thinly sliced red onions or capers on top for an extra tangy bite.
Use fresh garlic instead of minced jarred garlic for a more pungent sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crisp again.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a slice of cheesy baked dish held by a woman's hand, showing three visible layers: a light brown crispy crust as the base, a thick white creamy layer with small green herb flecks in the middle, and a golden browned cheese layer on top with bubbly texture and caramelized spots. The slice has some pieces of green vegetable embedded in the middle layer. The background shows more slices of the same dish on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh for garnish?

Yes, you can use dried dill, but fresh dill provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor and appearance. Sprinkle dried dill sparingly if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in the sauce?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to keep the creamy texture with a slight tang, or use crème fraîche for a richer flavor.