Name: Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F); 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ⅓ cup (72 g) extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (172.5 g) sour cream; ¼ cup (58 g) 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; 25-30 dill pickle slices; 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 29 reviews

Get ready to delight your taste buds with the tangy, savory, and utterly irresistible Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe. This unique take on the classic Italian focaccia combines the bright tartness of dill pickles with the rich cheesiness of mozzarella, all nestled within a soft, airy, and golden crust. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for just one more slice. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, this focaccia is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl at the top holds a light beige dough with a soft, slightly bumpy texture. Below it, there is a small beige dish on the left containing fresh, green dill with delicate feathery leaves. Next to it, a white bowl is filled with bright yellow cheese cubes that are neatly piled. Below that, a deep white bowl holds thinly sliced green pickles with a glossy, wet look. To the right, a small jar with light green oil sits next to a white bowl with a small amount of coarse salt. The items are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The best part about this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building the bread’s wonderful flavor, moistness, and beautiful presentation.

Warm water (105°F to 115°F): Activates the yeast for the perfect rise.
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough fluffy and airy.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the tang of the pickles.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust.
Italian seasoning: Gives the bread that classic herby aroma and flavor.
Minced garlic: Infuses savory depth both in the dough and the garlic sauce.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the recipe.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the dough, giving it the perfect chewiness.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the bread tender.
Mayonnaise: Contributes richness and helps maintain a soft crumb.
Whole milk: Balances moisture and supports browning in the oven.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor profile with a bit of acidity.
Dill weed: Brings that unmistakable dill flavor that pairs perfectly with pickles.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
Dill pickle slices: Star ingredient that delivers the tangy crunch throughout the bread.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully, providing gooey, cheesy goodness.
Fresh dill (roughly chopped): Sprinkled as a fresh garnish for an irresistible aroma and color contrast.

How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir everything gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This awakens the yeast, creating a bubbly mixture that means your dough will rise perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture

While the yeast is doing its thing, combine the extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This flavorful oil will not only enrich the dough but also be used later to coat the skillet, ensuring a deliciously crisp crust.

Step 3: Combine Dough Ingredients

Pour half of the olive oil mixture into the yeast mixture, stirring gently. Then add the flour and mix until the dough begins to form. This is the foundation of your focaccia, balancing moisture and structure beautifully.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial to achieving the airy, soft texture you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

While the dough rises, mix the remaining ingredients for the garlic sauce: sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill weed, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir this creamy mixture well; it will add a luscious layer of flavor to your bread.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pour the leftover olive oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, using a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides generously. This preps your pan to create that signature golden, crispy edge on the focaccia.

Step 7: Shape the Dough in the Skillet

Carefully place the risen dough into the prepared skillet and press it out toward the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface. These dimples are essential—they trap the savory garlic sauce and hold the delightful toppings in place.

Step 8: Add Sauce, Pickles, and Cheese

Spread the garlic sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to cover all the dimples. Arrange dill pickle slices generously on top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. This combination will bake into a melty, tangy masterpiece.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your focaccia in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese bubbles and browns enticingly. The aroma at this point is pretty much irresistible!

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Let it cool just slightly, then slice and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe

The image shows a slice of a creamy white cheese and herb pizza on brown baking paper over a white marbled surface. The pizza slice has three main layers: the bottom is a thick, soft beige bread crust with small air holes, the middle layer is a white creamy mixture with green herb flecks, and the top is a golden-brown melted cheese layer with some browned spots and bits of green dill. There are a few pickle slices near the pizza slice on the white marbled surface, adding small green circles with ridged edges, along with scattered herbs and crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh, roughly chopped dill is the perfect finishing touch—it brightens the bread’s flavor and adds that gorgeous verdant pop against the golden crust. You might also consider a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the texture.

Side Dishes

This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy soups like tomato bisque or chicken chowder. It also complements deli sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or as a tangy counterpoint to rich dishes like roast chicken or grilled sausages.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, cut the focaccia into small squares and serve alongside a variety of dips such as horseradish aioli, herbed cream cheese, or even a spicy mustard. You can also turn it into a sandwich base with slices of turkey, cheddar, and a smear of additional pickle slices for extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To preserve its texture, avoid refrigeration which can dry out the bread. When ready to eat, simply rewarm it to regain that freshly baked softness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this focaccia later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing locks in moisture and flavor, giving you a convenient way to savor this tasty bread any time.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps the crust regain its crispness while melting the cheese beautifully once again, bringing back that fresh-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular pickles instead of dill pickles?

While dill pickles provide a distinct tangy flavor that defines this focaccia, you can experiment with other pickle varieties like bread-and-butter for a sweeter, milder taste. Just keep in mind that the classic dill flavor pairs best with the herbs in the recipe.

Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and helps create a wonderfully crispy crust. However, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking pan, just keep a close eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed for your shape and material.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator. This slow fermentation enhances the flavor. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have sour cream or mayonnaise?

If you don’t have sour cream or mayonnaise, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar tang and moisture. The texture might vary slightly, but the bread will still be delicious and tender.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe is versatile. Try adding sliced red onions, crumbled bacon, or different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for exciting flavor twists that complement the pickles.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that making this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe will become one of your favorite kitchen adventures. It’s easy enough for a cozy weekend project but special enough to wow family and friends. The bubbly cheese, zesty pickles, and fresh dill come together in a way that’s comforting, unexpected, and downright delicious. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake something truly memorable!