Hayden Haas' Minnesota State Fair Inspired Dill Pickle Pizza
As the millions of people who attend the Minnesota State Fair each year can attest, summer isn’t officially over without a trip — or three — to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The highly anticipated event takes over the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul for 12 days every August through Labor Day.
With nearly 500 food items, 30 carnival rides, and more than 900 free performances, there's plenty to keep you busy throughout the Minnesota State Fair's 12-day run.
If you’re missing the fair, try Minnesota-based creator Hayden Haas of @delishaas' Pickle Pizza, inspired by one of the fair’s most popular items.
Minnesota State Fair-inspired Dill Pickle Pizza
- Prep Time 10 minutes
- Cook Time 35 minutes
- Total Time 45 minutes
- Yield 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- Sprinkle of all-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1-pound Homemade Pizza Dough (see below for recipe) or store-bought pizza dough
- ⅓ cup garlic-infused olive oil, or plain olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces dill Havarti (or regular Havarti if you can’t find dill), grated
- 4 ounces pepperoni or ham, roughly chopped
- 6–8 ounces dill pickle chips or slices, dried with a paper towel
- 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- ½ bunch fresh dill, for garnish
- Sriracha and Homemade Ranch Dressing (see below for recipe) for drizzling
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Lightly flour your work surface and use a rolling pin to roll out the Homemade Pizza Dough to fit the baking sheet you’re using.
Gently transfer the dough to the baking sheet.
Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over the dough, starting in the center and working outward, leaving about ½ to 1 inch (1.25–2.5cm) around the edges of the crust.
Distribute the minced garlic in the same manner and spread into an even layer over the oil.
Top with the dill Havarti, pepperoni, dill pickles, and Parmesan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust has started to turn golden.
Start checking for doneness after 20 minutes. It’s going to smell amazing!
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and fresh dill; drizzle with sriracha and Homemade Ranch Dressing; cut into slices; and serve. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to dry the pickle slices with a paper towel before adding them to the pizza. The juice is the enemy on this pie.
More cheese is always going to please me, especially on this pizza!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2c all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet of instant yeast
- 1 tsp onion powder or garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1c of very warm water but not too hot
Directions
Start by setting the oven to 350. (It helps warm the room to rise the dough.)
Combine and mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add in olive oil and warm water.
Using a mixer with a dough attachment, mix for 5 minutes, or mix and knead by hand for 10 minutes. It will be a slightly sticky ball, but able to be handled.
Cover and let sit in a warm spot for 45 mins to an hour.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Prep Time 5 minutes
- Total Time 5 minutes
- Yield About 3/4 cup
Ingredients
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried dill
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• Splash of pickle juice
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients, adapting the ratios and ingredients as you like.
Tips & Tricks
I like to make my ranch dressing with a little Greek yogurt to sneak some probiotics into my diet without even thinking about it.
If you want it to be like the ranch dressing you get in a restaurant, I recommend using mayo.
Let the mixture get to know itself in the fridge for at least half an hour. The flavor will really build!
I like to keep a batch of the dry seasonings used in this recipe on hand so I can throw together fresh dressing or dip at a moment’s notice.
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