If you’re a fan of bold flavors and unique twists on classic bread, you are going to absolutely love this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe. It’s a playful blend of tangy dill pickles, aromatic fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella melted on a fluffy, golden focaccia crust. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the pickles balanced perfectly with the savory cheese and fragrant garlic sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a standout appetizer or as a flavorful side for your next meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and refreshingly different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture, taste, and irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen with joy.
- 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F): Activates the yeast for a light, airy dough.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent for the focaccia’s rise.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast to give the dough a nice lift and slight sweetness.
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds rich flavor and keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herb blend that complements the garlic and dill.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the dough and sauce with a savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure of the focaccia with a soft but sturdy crumb.
- ¾ cup sour cream: Adds tenderness and a bit of tang to the sauce.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Helps create a creamy, rich garlic sauce that melds beautifully with the bread.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk: Softens the garlic sauce for a silky spread.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with a bright, fresh note.
- ½ teaspoon dill weed: Doubles down on the dill flavor, making it unmistakably vibrant.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild spice and balance.
- 25-30 dill pickle slices: The star ingredient, delivering tang and crunch in every bite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection topping the focaccia.
- Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish: A final fresh sprinkle that makes the focaccia feel alive and inviting.
How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast in warm water mixed with sugar. This little step is key—it ensures your dough will rise beautifully, becoming light and fluffy. While the yeast gets bubbly, whisk together olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt to create a fragrant, flavorful oil mixture that will be folded into the dough. Adding half of this to the yeast mixture before stirring in flour creates a dough that’s soft but has amazing structure. Remember to let your dough rest and double in size, which can feel like magic as you watch it transform right before your eyes.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic-Dill Sauce
While the dough is rising, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. This creamy sauce is the heartbeat of the Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe. It’s tangy, savory, and herby all at once, and it will marry all the toppings and bread into one unforgettable flavor experience.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skillet and Dough
Preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F to get that perfect golden crust. Use the remaining olive oil mixture to generously coat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. The oil not only prevents sticking but also crisps up the bottom of the focaccia, giving it that signature crunch. Press your risen dough into the skillet, stretching it gently to reach all edges, and use your fingers to make those charming dimples in the surface. These dimples are your ticket to focaccia’s rustic, artisanal appeal and help the garlic sauce settle into every nook.
Step 4: Layer with Sauce, Pickles, and Cheese
Spread the luscious garlic-dill sauce evenly on top of your dough canvas. Then, layer on those dill pickle slices—don’t shy away from generous coverage! Finish with a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese that will melt beautifully over the pickles and bake into golden, bubbly goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your skillet in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. You want to watch for a golden-brown crust and melt-in-your-mouth bubbly cheese. That aroma of toasted garlic, olive oil, and melting cheese will tell you your focaccia is ready to steal the show at the table.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill. This final touch not only adds a pop of color, but it also brightens all the rich and tangy flavors in the bread, tying the entire dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh dill really elevates the focaccia’s flavor and presentation. You can also add some cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving to enhance the aromatic profile even more.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs wonderfully with light salad greens dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or alongside creamy tomato soup. The acidic bite of the pickles complements fresh vegetables and mellow soups like a dream, making it a fantastic accompaniment for lunch or casual dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the focaccia into small squares for a party platter or serving it alongside a charcuterie board featuring cheeses, cured meats, and olives. You could also toast slices and use them as sandwich bases with smoked meats or crisp lettuce for a deli-style treat with a tangy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is best stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it wrapped well ensures the bread stays soft while preserving the fresh, tangy flavor from the pickles.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the focaccia after it has completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it will be ready to reheat the next day.
Reheating
To refresh your focaccia and bring back its crispiness, reheat it in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll get that freshly baked warmth accompanied by melted cheese and crisp edges that taste just as amazing as the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is ideal for its melting quality and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for variation in taste and texture.
What if I don’t have dill pickles on hand?
You can use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor or even try pickled jalapeños if you want a spicy kick. Each variation will shift the flavor profile, but all will keep the spirit of this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe alive.
Can I make this focaccia without sour cream or mayonnaise?
Yes, but these ingredients add moisture and richness to the garlic sauce. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy alternative, which will still complement the other flavors nicely.
How long does the dough need to rise?
Usually about an hour or until doubled in size. Warmer environments speed this up, while cooler kitchens might require a bit more patience. The dough should feel pillowy and airy before you move on to shaping.
Is a cast-iron skillet necessary?
While a 12-inch cast-iron skillet is recommended to achieve that crispy golden crust, you can use an oven-safe baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet as alternatives. Just be sure to generously oil the pan to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful way to surprise your taste buds and your guests. Its combination of tangy pickles, fresh dill, garlic goodness, and melty cheese all baked into a tender focaccia is pure magic. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want to add a little twist to your bread baking adventures. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every bite of this scrumptious creation!
Print
Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time: 42-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread recipe combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles with the soft, olive oil-infused focaccia dough, topped with a garlic-dill sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a unique appetizer or a flavorful snack, this easy-to-make bread is bursting with herby and savory flavors that elevate classic focaccia to a new level.
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
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
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Add half of this oil mixture to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Garlic-Dill Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- 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 and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Shape Dough and Add Toppings: Place the risen dough into the prepared skillet, pressing it gently to fill the pan and reach the edges. Use your fingers to create characteristic focaccia dimples all over the surface. Spread the prepared garlic-dill sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange the dill pickle slices evenly on top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake the Focaccia: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped dill. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into 12 servings and serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a similarly sized oven-safe baking dish or pan.
- You can substitute dill weed with fresh chopped dill inside the sauce for stronger flavor if desired.
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a preheated baking stone or tray after transferring the dough from the skillet, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
