Are you ready to ditch the boring old pepperoni and embark on a flavor adventure? Then get ready for Rick's Pickle Pizza – a surprisingly addictive and incredibly easy recipe that will change your pizza night forever. This isn't your grandma's pizza; it's a tangy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying culinary experience that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for a second slice! This easy recipe is a great example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and surprisingly simple.
Ingredients:
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For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Toppings:
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup dill pickle chips, roughly chopped (the brinier, the better!)
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Pizza Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, combine tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, chopped dill pickle chips, and red onion (if using).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Rick's Pickle Pizza:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving. This healthy meal is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Feel free to experiment with other pickle types, such as bread and butter pickles or sweet gherkins.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Substitute other cheeses, such as provolone or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
This quick dinner idea offers plenty of room for creativity!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used, but a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Enjoy this unique and delicious pizza recipe! Let me know in the comments how your Pickle Pizza turned out. Happy cooking!