If you are a fan of bright, tangy, and savory flavors combined in an unexpected but absolutely delightful way, this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s the perfect blend of chewy focaccia texture, the aromatic bite of garlic and Italian herbs, and a tangy pickle twist that makes every bite pop. This bread isn’t just bread; it’s a conversation starter for your next gathering or a comforting treat on any day you want to surprise your taste buds. Let me walk you through this fantastic recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dill pickle focaccia lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component works in harmony to deliver a bread that is fluffy, fragrant, and packed with that signature pickle tang complemented by melty cheese and fresh dill freshness.
- Warm water (1 cup): Activates the yeast gently without killing it, ensuring a perfect rise for your dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon): The magic ingredient that makes your focaccia airy and light.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and helps develop a lightly golden crust.
- Extra virgin olive oil (⅓ cup): Adds richness and prevents the bread from drying out, plus it’s brushed on for a lovely finish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuse the dough with classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): For that irresistible savory aroma woven through the bread.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Enhances flavors and balances the tang from pickles perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a gentle tang, giving the focaccia a tender crumb.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Keeps the dough moist with a slight richness that complements the sour cream.
- Whole milk (2 tablespoons): Softens the dough and enriches flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the dough with subtle acidity balancing the pickles.
- Dill weed (½ teaspoon): Infuses that unmistakable dill aroma and flavor throughout the bread.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the other flavors.
- Dill pickle slices (25-30 slices): The star of the show, providing a tangy crunch and vibrant color on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts to gooey perfection, binding everything deliciously.
- Fresh dill (for garnish): A final fragrant touch to brighten both flavor and presentation.
How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir it gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes to awaken the yeast—it should get bubbly or frothy, which means it’s ready. Next, mix the olive oil with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt in a smaller bowl. Add half of this fragrant oil mixture into the yeast drink, then stir in the flour until everything just comes together. Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for the light, fluffy texture of your focaccia.
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Dill Sauce
While the dough rises, you can prepare the luscious sauce that’s going to infuse incredible flavor into the bread’s surface. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, the remaining minced garlic, dill weed, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir it all until smooth and perfectly combined. This creamy garlic-dill sauce adds depth and a subtle tang that complements every other ingredient.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
Heat your oven to a high 450°F (230°C) for that perfect focaccia crust. Pour the remaining olive oil blend into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or baking pan and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides. This oil layer ensures the focaccia won’t stick and helps achieve that signature golden crust full of flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Top the Dough
Once your dough has risen beautifully, gently press it into the skillet, pushing it out all the way to the edges. Don’t be shy to press your fingers into the surface to create classic dimples that trap little pockets of oil and sauce. Spread the garlic-dill sauce evenly over the dough, making sure every nook is covered. Now comes the fun part: arrange the dill pickle slices generously on top and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly, forming a glorious cheesy blanket.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your skillet into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns a warm, inviting golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned on top. The smell at this point is utterly irresistible, signaling the perfect marriage of tangy pickle, melty cheese, and herby focaccia.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped dill over your focaccia for a final burst of color and freshness. This last touch really elevates the presentation and flavors, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the fresh dill already placed on top, feel free to add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor contrast. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also amplify the savory notes.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs beautifully with creamy soups like tomato bisque or a chilled cucumber salad that complements the dill pickle note. Sandwich lovers might enjoy it alongside sliced deli meats or a vibrant veggie platter for a snack party!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this bread into squares for a shareable appetizer platter or cut it into strips for dipping into hummus, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. It also works wonderfully as sandwich bread to elevate your lunchtime routine with a tangy punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the moisture and freshness of the bread without drying it out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the focaccia, wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your focaccia’s crispy crust and melty cheese, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. For an extra touch, pop it under the broiler briefly but watch carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use different pickles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While dill pickles give this focaccia its signature tang, you can experiment with bread-and-butter pickles or spicy pickles for a different twist. Just be mindful the flavor profile will change accordingly.
Is this bread gluten-free friendly?
This particular recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure and texture, so it’s not gluten-free. However, if you want to try gluten-free flour blends, expect some adjustments in rise and crumb, but it can be a fun experiment!
Can I make this focaccia without cheese?
Yes, cheese adds a wonderful gooey layer, but if you prefer, simply omit the mozzarella and add more pickles or some chopped fresh herbs on top. It will still be deliciously satisfying.
How long does the dough need to rise?
Plan to let the dough rise for about one hour or until it has doubled in size. The timing can vary slightly depending on your kitchen temperature; warmer spaces speed up the rise.
Can I prepare this dough the night before?
Definitely! After the initial mixing, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as focaccia can take on a whole new life with the addition of dill pickles, tangy garlic sauce, and gooey cheese? This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and unique twists on bread classics. It’s joyous to bake, smells incredible, and every bite will keep you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your delicious experience with friends and family!
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Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is a flavorful twist on traditional focaccia, featuring a tangy garlic sauce, savory dill pickles, and melty mozzarella cheese. Made with a soft, yeast-risen dough seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, it’s baked to golden perfection with bubbly cheese on top, then garnished with fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side for sandwiches and salads.
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 and Garnish
- 25–30 dill pickle slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare oil mixture and dough: In a small bowl, combine 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 a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the garlic sauce: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the remaining olive oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Shape the dough and assemble: Transfer the risen dough to the oiled skillet and press it evenly to the edges using your fingers. Create dimples all over the surface by pressing your fingers down gently. Spread the prepared garlic sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange the dill pickle slices on top and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake the focaccia: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts to a bubbly, lightly browned finish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and sprinkle fresh roughly chopped dill on top as garnish. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps to develop a crispy crust and even cooking.
- You can substitute dill pickle slices with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter option.
- If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute in the sauce.
- Allow the dough to fully rise for a lighter and fluffier texture.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly and refrigerate; reheat in the oven for best results.
