Zesty Dill Pickle Naan Flatbread

Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.

Naan bread has always held a special place in my heart. While I grew up eating the traditional version with curry, these days I’m all about trying new twists on old favorites. One evening, while staring at a jar of dill pickles in my fridge, I had this random thought – what if I combined that tangy pickle flavor with warm, fluffy naan?

I know it might sound a bit different at first, but trust me on this one. The combination of dill pickles and fresh-baked naan creates something that’s both familiar and new at the same time. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want something quick but satisfying, especially on busy weeknights when I’m craving both comfort food and something a little fun.

Whether you’re a pickle lover or just someone who enjoys trying new things, this recipe might just become your new favorite. It’s simple enough for everyday cooking but interesting enough to serve to friends who pop over unexpectedly.

SAVE NOW

What Kind of Dill Pickles Should I Use?

For this flatbread recipe, you’ll want to reach for crisp, garlic dill pickles rather than sweet or bread and butter varieties. Kosher dill pickles are perfect here – they bring just the right balance of salty, tangy flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. You can use either whole pickles that you slice yourself (aim for about 1/8 inch thickness) or pre-sliced pickle chips from the jar. Just make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to your flatbread to prevent any soggy spots. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try different pickle brands to find your favorite – some are more garlicky while others lean more toward the dill flavor profile.

SAVE NOW

Options for Substitutions

This fun recipe can be customized with several easy swaps if you need them:

• Naan bread: If you can’t find naan, pita bread or flatbread make great alternatives. You could even use a pre-baked pizza crust, though the texture will be a bit different.
• Pancetta: No pancetta? Regular bacon works perfectly here. You could also use ham or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. Just make sure to cook it until crispy.
• Mozzarella cheese: Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone, white cheddar, or a mix of cheeses. Just avoid anything too strong that might overpower the pickle flavor.
• Ranch dressing: While ranch adds nice flavor, you could use garlic aioli or a creamy Caesar dressing instead. Greek yogurt mixed with a little garlic and herbs works too.
• Fresh dill: If fresh dill isn’t available, use 1 teaspoon dried dill instead. You can also skip it since you’re already getting dill flavor from the pickles.
• Pickle brine: This is pretty important for the signature flavor, but if you’re out, try mixing 2 tablespoons white vinegar with a pinch of salt and dill.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making pickle naan flatbread is ending up with a soggy base, which happens when you add too much pickle brine or ranch dressing – instead, brush the naan lightly with the brine and use a thin layer of ranch to maintain that perfect crispy texture. Another common mistake is overcooking the flatbread, so keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese melts and the edges turn golden brown, usually around 8-10 minutes at 400°F. For the best flavor balance, avoid the temptation to pile on extra pickles, as too many can overwhelm the other ingredients and make the bread wet – stick to a single layer of pickle slices and let the pancetta and cheese shine through. To get that restaurant-quality crispiness, try preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the assembled flatbread.

SAVE NOW

What to Serve With Dill Pickle Naan Flatbread?

This fun and tangy flatbread works great as an appetizer or light meal, and there are lots of tasty ways to round out your plate! A simple green salad with cucumber and red onion makes a nice fresh contrast to the rich, salty flatbread. If you’re serving this for dinner, try pairing it with a bowl of tomato soup or a cup of creamy potato soup for a cozy combo. For casual entertaining, I like to serve it alongside some crispy wings or potato wedges – the ranch dressing you already have out works great as a dip for both!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you have any leftover dill pickle naan flatbread, wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the texture might not be quite as crispy as when it’s fresh.

Make Ahead: You can prep some components ahead of time to make assembly super quick! Cook the pancetta and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and measure out your cheese and toppings. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake your flatbread.

Warm Up: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, pop your leftover flatbread in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese gets melty again. I don’t recommend microwaving as it can make the naan bread tough and chewy.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 900-1000
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 2 naan breads
• 2 tablespoons pickle brine
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz pancetta, cooked and cubed
• 12-15 dill pickle slices
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Pinch of ground black pepper

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Naan Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.

While the oven is warming up, place both naan breads on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring they are ready to be topped with your ingredients.

Step 2: Make and Apply the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine pickle juice and ranch dressing.

Mix well to create a flavorful sauce.

Using a brush, apply the mixture evenly on each naan, covering the entire surface.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Top the naan with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Then, evenly distribute slices of pancetta and pickle slices over the cheese.

This will become the delicious topping for your naan pizzas.

Step 4: Bake the Naan Pizza

Place the baking sheet with the prepared naan into the preheated oven.

Bake the pizzas for 15-17 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Remove the naan pizzas from the oven and immediately top them with fresh dill.

Drizzle a little more ranch dressing over the top for extra flavor, and add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slice the naan pizzas into desired portions and serve them hot.

Enjoy your flavorful and unique naan pizzas!