If you adore bold flavors and irresistible textures, you are going to love this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe. This unique take on traditional focaccia brings together the tangy zest of dill pickles, the herbaceous kick of fresh dill, and melty mozzarella cheese, all baked into a perfectly soft and airy bread with a golden crust. It’s the kind of dish that turns heads and delights taste buds, whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal. Trust me, once you try this bread, it will become an instant favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze, and every single one plays a key role in ensuring your Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is bursting with flavor and has that perfect texture. From the yeast that gets the dough beautifully risen to the fresh dill that adds that unmistakable aromatic punch, each component is essential.
- Warm water (105°F to 115°F): Activates the yeast gently without killing it, setting your dough up for a perfect rise.
- Active dry yeast: The star leavening agent that makes your focaccia light and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that delightfully crispy crust.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dough with savory depth.
- Minced garlic: Provides a bright, aromatic element that complements the pickles beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and supports yeast activity.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing the perfect balance of structure and tenderness.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess that pairs perfectly with the pickles.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes creaminess and helps keep the bread soft.
- Whole milk: Enriches the dough for a tender crumb.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Dill weed: An herbaceous note that emphasizes the dill pickle flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spice to balance the savory profile.
- Dill pickle slices: The star ingredient, giving the focaccia its signature tang and crunch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted richness that brings everything together beautifully.
- Fresh dill: Garnishes the baked focaccia with a vibrant, fresh herb finish.
How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rise the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it rest for about five minutes until it becomes frothy and alive. Next, blend your olive oil with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Pour half of this fragrant oil mixture into the yeast mix, then gradually add the flour, stirring to bring it all together. Transfer your dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is where the magic begins, as your dough transforms into soft, pillowy perfection.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Dill Sauce
While your dough is doing its thing, mix up the creamy garlic sauce that will spread all over your focaccia. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This sauce adds a punch of flavor and creaminess to every bite, marrying the tang of the pickles with the rich dough.
Step 3: Prep Your Skillet
Preheat your oven to a toasty 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the remaining olive oil mixture and pour it into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, using a pastry brush to spread it evenly on the bottom and sides. This oil layer will create that golden, crispy crust focaccia is famous for.
Step 4: Shape and Top the Dough
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down slightly and spread it into your prepared skillet, pressing it all the way to the edges. Use your fingers to create those classic dimples in the dough – it’s not just decorative, it helps hold the sauce and toppings. Now, slather your garlic dill sauce evenly over the dough. Layer dill pickle slices generously on top, then finish with a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese for gooey richness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your skillet into the oven and bake for about 22 to 25 minutes, until the crust turns a gorgeous golden color and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven and sprinkle fresh, chopped dill over the top for a burst of vibrant herbaceous flavor and a beautiful finishing touch. Let it cool a few minutes before slicing so the cheese settles just right.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is an absolute must for garnishing this focaccia; it enhances the dill flavor and adds a fresh green pop. If you want to take it a step further, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt will elevate both taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
Because Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is packed with flavor, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides like crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw. It also works wonderfully alongside rich soups or chili where the focaccia can be used to scoop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this focaccia on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of mustard or a creamy dip for extra indulgence. You could even slice it into strips to create pickle-flavored breadsticks for a fun party snack. Trust me, the unique combo of dill and pickle flavors will have your guests talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough), wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Freezing
This focaccia freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in foil and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked texture, reheat slices in a warm oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This will crisp up the crust again while melting the cheese slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
Can I use dill pickle juice instead of slices?
While the slices provide texture and bursts of pickle flavor, you could add a tablespoon or two of dill pickle juice to the sauce for extra tang. It won’t replace the crunch but will deepen the overall pickle taste.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The steps are straightforward and forgiving, making it a fantastic recipe for bakers of any skill level. The rising time and simple ingredients help ensure success even on your first try.
Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Feel free to experiment! Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, but provolone or Monterey Jack can also work well. Just pick a cheese that melts nicely and won’t overpower the pickles.
How important is the fresh dill garnish?
Fresh dill on top adds a bright, herbaceous freshness that really ties together the dill pickle flavor. While it’s optional, I highly recommend it for the best taste and presentation.
Can I make this focaccia dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and topping for baking.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is such a fun and unexpected twist on classic focaccia that you will wonder where it’s been all your life. With its perfect balance of tangy, cheesy, and herb-filled flavors, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for all occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this delicious discovery with your friends and family.
Print
Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread offers a unique twist on traditional focaccia by incorporating tangy dill pickles, aromatic garlic sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, this bread is fluffy, flavorful, and topped with fresh dill for an extra burst of herbaceous freshness.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ⅓ 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 the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Pour half of this oil mixture into the yeast mixture. Add the all-purpose flour 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.
- Make 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 well until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Skillet and Oven: 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 coat the entire bottom and sides of the skillet evenly with this oil.
- Shape Dough and Add Toppings: Add the risen dough to the skillet, spreading and pressing it evenly to the edges. Using your fingers, create characteristic focaccia dimples all over the surface of the dough. Evenly spread the prepared garlic sauce across the dough. Arrange the dill pickle slices on top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake Bread: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until the crust becomes golden brown and the mozzarella cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped dill. Slice and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a crispy crust, but a similar oven-safe pan can be used if necessary.
- Dill pickles add a tangy crunch that complements the savory garlic sauce and cheese; substitute with bread-and-butter pickles if preferred for a sweeter note.
- Fresh dill garnish enhances the flavor with an aromatic finish; it can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based cheese.
