Dill Pickle Focaccia

Dill Pickle Focaccia is a savory, tender flatbread infused with tangy dill pickles, fresh dill, and a crisp olive oil crust. It’s soft inside, slightly crunchy on top, and bursting with pickle-bright flavor—perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or alongside soups and salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tangy twist – briny pickle flavor transforms classic focaccia

• Soft & airy – pillowy crumb ideal for dipping or sandwiches

• Easy to bake – straightforward dough with familiar ingredients

• Fun for pickle lovers – a creative twist on traditional bread

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 cup warm water (105–115 °F / 40–46 °C)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• 1 tsp salt

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for oiling pan)

• ½ cup finely chopped dill pickles (drained well)

• 1 tbsp pickle juice (from the jar)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• Optional for topping: coarse sea salt, thin pickle slices, extra dill

directions

1. Activate yeast
   In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make dough
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture, olive oil, pickle juice, and add chopped pickles and fresh dill. Mix until dough forms and pulls away from sides.

3. First rise
   Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

4. Shape in pan
   Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Oil a 9″×13″ or similar baking pan. Gently press the risen dough into the pan, pushing to edges and stretching it out.

5. Dimple & top
   Drizzle with olive oil. Use fingertips to press dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle chopped dill, coarse sea salt, and optional pickle slices evenly.

6. Second rise
   Let dough rest in pan for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

7. Bake
   Bake 18–22 minutes until golden-brown and crisp around edges.

8. Cool & serve
   Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Cut into squares or strips and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8–10 pieces

• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 1½ hours rising)

• Bake time: 18–22 minutes

• Total time: ~2 hours (mostly hands-off)

Variations

• Cheesy upgrade: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over focaccia before baking

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of hot pickle brine

• Herb twist: Mix in rosemary or thyme with the dill for deeper flavor

• Garlic butter drizzle: Brush with garlic-infused butter immediately after baking

• Parmesan crust: Press grated Parmesan into the dough dimples before baking for a golden cheesy crust

storage/reheating

• Room temperature: Store cooled focaccia in a sealed container for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge up to 4 days; refresh by warming

• Reheat: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving

FAQs

Can I use dill pickle relish instead of chopped pickles?

Yes—as long as the relish is drained of excess juice to avoid making dough soggy.

Is fresh dill necessary?

Dried dill works well; use 1 teaspoon in place of fresh.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and add a bit more liquid due to absorbency.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough?

No—this recipe uses a single warm rise. For more flavor, refrigerate overnight and bake next day.

Can I make mini focaccias?

Yes—divide dough into smaller pans or muffin tins; adjust baking time to 12–15 minutes.

Can I skip the second rise?

You can bake after dimpling, but the texture will be denser—the second rise gives lift.

How do I prevent dense texture?

Make sure the yeast is active (foam forms) and dough doubles during the first rise.

Can I bake without a pan?

Yes—shape dough on a parchment-lined sheet; bake directly on stone or sheet.

What to serve with it?

Try alongside soups, salads, charcuterie, or use in sandwiches with deli meats or roasted veggies.

Can I use other pickles?

Yes—bread-and-butter, spicy pickles, or garlic dill pickles all work; adjust salt accordingly.

Conclusion

Dill Pickle Focaccia is a unique and flavorful twist on classic focaccia—soft, tangy, and wonderfully aromatic with dill and pickles. Whether served as an appetizer, sandwich base, or snack, it’s a fun, savory bread that’s sure to become a favorite among pickle lovers. Enjoy its tender crumb and punchy flavor any day of the week!