Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe

Tangy Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe for Pickle Lovers

Soft, pillowy bread studded with tangy dill pickle focaccia bread recipe creates a mouthwatering twist on traditional Italian flatbread.

Briny pickle pieces nestle into golden, crisp dough with delightful precision.

Salt crystals glisten across the surface, promising an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Herbs and pickles merge in a dance of savory goodness that elevates this humble bread.

The aroma wafting from the oven will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste this unexpected culinary gem.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and creativity.

Bake this crowd-pleasing bread and watch as it becomes the star of your next gathering.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in the Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread?

The key ingredients include flour, water, yeast, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, dill pickles, mozzarella cheese, and fresh dill.

  • Can I make this focaccia without a cast-iron skillet?

While a cast-iron skillet provides a crispy crust, you can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as an alternative.

  • How do the dimples in the dough help the focaccia?

The dimples help capture the garlic sauce and oil, creating extra flavor pockets and a traditional focaccia texture.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is vegetarian-friendly and does not contain any meat products.

Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread for the Bold Crowd

  • Rocket Quick Preparation: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines creamy cream cheese with zesty chives and sharp cheddar for a mouthwatering taste that appeals to everyone from kids to adults.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Incredibly flexible dish that works perfectly for game day, movie nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Minimal Kitchen Gear Needed: Requires only a microwave-safe dish and basic utensils, making cleanup and preparation super simple with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients in Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture to the focaccia bread.
  • Water: Essential liquid for activating yeast and creating dough consistency.
  • Yeast: Crucial ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Garlic: Combination of ingredients that adds rich flavor and aromatic depth to the bread.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps control yeast activity.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Dill Pickles, Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Dill: Provide a tangy, cheesy, and herbaceous finish to the focaccia, creating a unique flavor profile.
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and promotes browning of the bread.

Steps to Bake Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir the ingredients and let them mingle for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Prepare a flavor-packed oil mixture by combining:
  • Olive oil
  • Italian seasoning
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt

Pour half of this aromatic oil mixture into the activated yeast.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Add flour to the liquid ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Sauce

Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and creamy.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Skillet

Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, using a pastry brush to coat every inch of the surface.

Step 6: Shape and Decorate

Gently transfer the risen dough to the skillet, pressing it to reach the edges.

Create signature focaccia dimples using your fingertips. Spread the garlic sauce evenly over the dough.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Arrange dill pickle slices across the surface. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 22-25 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese becomes bubbly and beautifully browned.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Slice and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Good Notes for Dill Pickle Bread Makers

  • Drain dill pickles thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the focaccia soggy, ensuring a crisp and perfectly textured bread.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it double in size, creating a light and airy texture for your focaccia.
  • Press fingers firmly but gently into the dough to create signature focaccia dimples, which help hold the garlic sauce and pickle toppings.
  • Shred fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese for a more authentic, creamy melting result that enhances overall flavor.

Variations and Toppings for Pickle Focaccia Bread

  • Herb Haven Focaccia: Replace dill pickles with a medley of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil, creating a fragrant Mediterranean-inspired bread.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Swap dill pickles with sliced jalapeños and add pepper jack cheese for a fiery version that packs heat and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Veggie Option: Use gluten-free flour blend and top with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and dairy-free cheese for a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Mediterranean Olive Fusion: Substitute pickles with kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, adding a tangy Greek-inspired profile to the focaccia.

Sides That Match Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread

  • Flavor Fusion Companions: Zesty dill pickle focaccia pairs beautifully with crisp, light lagers that cut through the bread's richness.
  • Protein Perfection: Serve alongside grilled chicken or smoked turkey sandwiches to complement the tangy pickle and garlic notes.
  • Salad Sidekick: Create a fresh cucumber and dill salad with light vinaigrette to echo the pickle's bright, acidic profile and balance the bread's heartiness.
  • Wine Wisdom: Select a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which offers herbal undertones that match the dill and complement the focaccia's savory elements.

How to Store Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread

  • Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Slice focaccia and place parchment paper between each slice. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Seal carefully to prevent freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap focaccia in aluminum foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Place focaccia slices directly on the rack. Toast at medium setting for 3-5 minutes until warm and crisp edges return.
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Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe

Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Dill pickle focaccia bread brings rustic Italian charm with a tangy twist that elevates classic bread-baking. Crisp herbed dough topped with briny pickles creates a mouthwatering canvas for savory enjoyment you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)

Yeast and Leavening:

  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by whisking water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Create an aromatic oil blend by combining oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt in a separate small bowl.
  3. Incorporate half of the seasoned oil into the activated yeast mixture, then gradually fold in flour until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
  5. Prepare the garlic sauce by thoroughly mixing all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
  6. Heat the oven to 450F (230C) and position a 12-inch cast-iron skillet inside to warm.
  7. Pour the remaining seasoned oil into the hot skillet, using a pastry brush to evenly coat the surface.
  8. Gently stretch the risen dough into the skillet, pressing it to reach the edges and creating signature dimples with fingertips.
  9. Spread the prepared garlic sauce across the dough’s surface, ensuring even coverage.
  10. Artfully arrange dill pickle slices over the sauce and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  11. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
  12. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh dill before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate properly and ensure smooth dough consistency.
  • Allow sufficient rising time for the dough to develop rich flavor and airy texture.
  • Try pickle variations like homemade or artisan pickles for unique taste profiles.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of this focaccia.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 197 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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