Description
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread features a soft, fluffy homemade crust topped with creamy garlic sauce, tangy dill pickles, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh dill. Baked until golden and crispy, this easy, cheesy focaccia is perfect for appetizers, parties, game days, or a delicious homemade snack.
Ingredients
For the Focaccia Crust
1 cup warm water (105°F–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
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
¾ cup (172.5 g) sour cream
¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried dill weed
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Toppings
25–30 dill pickle slices
2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh dill, roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let stand for 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the seasoned oil: In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt.
3. Combine the mixtures: Pour half of the seasoned olive oil into the yeast mixture. Reserve the remaining oil for the skillet.
4. Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
5. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
6. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried dill, kosher salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir until smooth: Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread
8. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
9. Prepare the skillet: Pour the reserved seasoned olive oil into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
10. Shape the dough: Transfer the risen dough into the skillet. Gently press and stretch it toward the edges. Use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface.
11. Add the garlic sauce: Spread the prepared creamy garlic sauce evenly over the dough.
12. Add the pickles: Pat the dill pickle slices dry with a paper towel, then arrange them evenly over the sauce.
13. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pickles.
Bake and Serve
14. Bake the focaccia: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
15. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for approximately 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill.
16. Serve: Slice into wedges or squares and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Dry the pickles: Pat the pickle slices dry before adding them to prevent excess moisture from making the focaccia soggy.
Use warm water: The ideal temperature for activating yeast is 105°F–115°F. Water that’s too hot can damage the yeast.
Allow proper rising: Let the dough double in size for a light, airy texture. Rising times may vary depending on room temperature.
Choose the right cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully without releasing too much liquid.
Extra crispy crust: A well-oiled cast-iron skillet helps create golden, crispy edges.
Add some heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños over the toppings for a spicy variation.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8–12 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving suggestion: Pair with tomato soup, fresh salad, ranch dip, or your favorite party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 1 hour ( rising ):
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ recipe)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 970 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg