Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 prepared pizza crust
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 15 hamburger dill pickle chips, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
Why This Recipe Is So Good
This pizza combines savory bacon and tangy pickles for a unique flavor twist. The garlic adds a rich aroma that makes every bite satisfying and memorable. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy classic ingredients in a new way.
Kitchen Tricks
- Pre-cook the bacon until crispy to avoid soggy toppings.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but roast it slightly if you prefer a milder taste.
- Add pickles after baking or toward the end to keep them crunchy.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but roast it slightly if you prefer a milder taste.
- Add pickles after baking or toward the end to keep them crunchy.
Directions
Warm your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix the oil and minced garlic together, then brush this mixture all over the pizza crust. Pop the crust into the oven for about 2 minutes to give it a little head start. Take it out and sprinkle a generous layer of pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese evenly over the crust. Slide it back into the oven until the cheese melts, which should take around 2 minutes. Next, scatter the crumbled bacon, pickle slices, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top. Bake it for another 2 minutes so everything warms through. Once it’s out of the oven, finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill before serving.
Creative Serving Ideas
Serve this pizza hot with a simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the flavors. A cold beer or sparkling water pairs well to refresh the palate between bites. You can also offer extra pickles on the side for pickle lovers.
How To Store For Later
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepper Jack and Cheddar?
Yes, you can substitute with any melty cheeses you like, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Should I cook the bacon before adding it to the pizza?
Yes, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it before spreading on the pizza.
Can I use a homemade pizza crust for this recipe?
Absolutely, homemade crust works great as long as it’s pre-baked slightly before adding toppings.
How spicy is this pizza with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles?
Dill pickles are recommended for their tangy flavor, but sweet pickles can be used if preferred.
Is it okay to skip the fresh dill garnish?
Yes, the dill adds freshness, but the pizza will still taste great without it.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy with the pickle slices?
Pre-baking the crust and brushing it with garlic oil helps keep it crisp despite the pickles.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can assemble and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
