Dill Pickle Bread Recipe

Irresistibly Tangy Dill Pickle Bread Recipe for Pickle Lovers

Crisp summer afternoons welcome a delightful dill pickle bread that surprises with unexpected tangy notes.

Pickles add magical moisture to this surprisingly tender loaf.

Soft crumbs promise a delectable companion for sandwiches or afternoon snacking.

Homemade bakery magic comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.

Kitchen experiments sometimes yield remarkable results when you embrace creative combinations.

Quick mixing and minimal preparation mean delicious bread emerges from your oven in under an hour.

Slice, savor, and watch everyone ask for seconds of this unique bread adventure.

FAQs About Dill Pickle Bread

  • Why do I need to activate the yeast first?

Activating yeast ensures it’s alive and ready to help the bread rise properly. Warm water around 110°F helps “wake up” the yeast and create those essential bubbles for fluffy bread.

  • Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh dill can be substituted for dried dill. Use about 2-3 times more fresh dill compared to dried dill to maintain the same flavor intensity.

  • What if my dough isn't becoming smooth when kneading?

Keep kneading patiently. If the dough remains too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour. Consistent kneading develops gluten and creates the right bread texture.

Why Dill Pickle Bread Is Tangy And Unique

  • Boost Bold Flavor: Packed with tangy pickle bits and zesty seasonings, this bread delivers an exciting twist on traditional loaves that will surprise and delight taste buds.
  • Beginner Baker Friendly: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for novice cooks, ensuring success even for those with minimal baking experience.
  • Quick Preparation Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique mean you can transform basic pantry staples into a delicious homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for sandwiches, alongside soups, or enjoyed as a standalone snack, this pickle-infused bread adapts to multiple meal scenarios and gatherings.

Everything You Need For Dill Pickle Bread

For the Bread Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides the structural foundation for the bread.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.
  • Dried Dill: Adds a complementary herbal note to the bread's flavor profile.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces a subtle, aromatic flavor to the bread.
For the Yeast Activation:
  • Active Dry Yeast: The key leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Warm Water: Creates the ideal environment for yeast to activate and become frothy.
For the Moisture and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the bread.
  • Dill Pickles, Pickle Juice: Provide a tangy, unique flavor and moisture to the bread dough.
For the Optional Topping:
  • Egg, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a golden crust and additional savory flavor to the bread surface.

Steps To Make Dill Pickle Bread At Home

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Grab some warm water and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it chill for 5-7 minutes until it gets super foamy and bubbly. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Toss flour, salt, dried dill, and garlic powder into a big mixing bowl. Give them a gentle swirl to create a flavor-packed dry base.

Step 3: Create Dough Magic

Pour the activated yeast and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until everything comes together into a shaggy, promising dough.

Step 4: Pickle Party

Fold in chopped dill pickles and pickle juice. Knead the dough like you’re giving it a loving massage until it becomes smooth and stretchy. This should take about 8-10 minutes of arm workout.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Move the dough to an oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Find a cozy, warm spot and let it expand gloriously for about an hour. The dough will nearly double in size, showing off its rising skills.

Step 6: Shape Your Bread

Punch down the puffy dough and shape it into a rustic, free-form loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, letting its personality shine.

Step 7: Optional Flavor Boost

Want extra pizzazz? Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top. This creates a crispy, cheesy crust that’ll make mouths water.

Step 8: Prepare to Bake

Crank the oven to 375°F. Let the shaped loaf rest for 15-20 minutes, building anticipation for the delicious bread to come.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the bread into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust that sounds hollow when you tap it – the ultimate bread success signal.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Rescue the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Slice and serve this pickle-packed treasure to eager bread lovers!

Tips To Get Dill Pickle Bread Just Right

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Use water precisely at 110°F to ensure yeast blooms correctly without killing the microorganisms.
  • Control Dough Moisture: Add pickle juice gradually to manage dough consistency and prevent excessive wetness during kneading.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle extra dried dill or garlic powder on the loaf's surface before baking for intensified herbal notes.
  • Create Crispy Crust: Brush egg wash and parmesan cheese to develop a golden, crunchy exterior with rich umami undertones.
  • Rest Bread Completely: Allow the loaf to cool entirely for at least 30 minutes to stabilize internal structure and improve slicing quality.

Tasty Variations For Dill Pickle Bread

  • Gluten-Free Pickle Bread: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour like almond and rice flour, adding xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Whole Wheat Dill Pickle Bread: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more robust flavor profile and increased fiber content.
  • Vegan Pickle Bread: Use plant-based milk, replace egg wash with plant-based milk or olive oil, and swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for similar savory notes.
  • Low-Sodium Pickle Bread: Reduce pickle juice quantity, use low-sodium pickles, and minimize added salt while maintaining the signature tangy pickle flavor in the bread.

Great Sides For Dill Pickle Bread

  • Pair with Tangy Charcuterie Board: Create a vibrant spread featuring sharp cheddar, salami, cornichons, and whole grain mustard to complement the pickle bread's zesty profile.
  • Craft Creamy Dip Companion: Whip up a dill-infused ranch or herbed cream cheese spread that echoes the bread's pickle and herb undertones, perfect for spreading or dunking.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling that cuts through the bread's richness and enhances its tangy pickle notes.
  • Serve alongside Hearty Soup: Pair with a creamy potato leek or chilled cucumber soup to highlight the bread's savory pickle and dill characteristics.

How To Store Dill Pickle Bread Properly

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly to prevent moisture and maintain texture.
  • Slice bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between slices. Wrap securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap bread in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, preserving moisture and crispness.
  • Remove frozen bread, let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Restore softness naturally without microwave's potential texture damage.
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Dill Pickle Bread Recipe

Dill Pickle Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45-65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Dill pickle bread brings tangy magic to classic quick bread with surprising zesty flavor. Hearty slices pair perfectly with soups, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on their own, inviting you to savor each deliciously unique bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Base:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water

Pickle and Flavor Components:

  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, dried dill, and garlic powder, creating a well-seasoned dry mixture.
  3. Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  4. Fold in the chopped dill pickles and pickle juice, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a rustic loaf, placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. If desired, brush the loaf surface with beaten egg and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for additional flavor.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375°F and let the shaped loaf rest for an additional 15-20 minutes before baking.
  9. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. Remove from the oven, let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Boost yeast activity by ensuring water temperature is precisely 110°F to guarantee proper fermentation and bread rise.
  • Chop pickles finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large pickle chunks disrupting bread’s texture.
  • Customize bread by experimenting with different pickle varieties like garlic, spicy, or bread-and-butter pickles for unique flavor profiles.
  • Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium pickles and adjusting added salt to accommodate pickle juice’s natural saltiness.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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