Save A bold, zesty appetizer featuring crisp dill pickles, spicy Cajun seasoning, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in golden pizza dough. Perfect for parties or snacking with a Southern twist.
I first made these for a game night with friends, and they disappeared faster than I could set out the ranch dressing. The combination of pickles and the warm Cajun-spiced cheese filling is irresistible.
Ingredients
- Dough & Base: 1 can (about 400 g) refrigerated pizza dough, all-purpose flour for dusting
- Pickles: 8 large dill pickle spears, patted dry
- Cheese: 120 g (about 1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (about ½ cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- Seasoning: 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), ½ tsp garlic powder
- Finishing: 2 tbsp butter, melted, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Dipping: 120 ml (½ cup) ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough:
- Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle (about 30 x 25 cm).
- Divide Dough:
- Cut the dough into 8 equal strips.
- Dry Pickles:
- Pat the pickle spears dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and cheddar along each dough strip.
- Add Pickles & Seasoning:
- Place a pickle spear at one end of each strip, then sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning and a touch of garlic powder.
- Wrap & Seal:
- Roll the dough tightly around each pickle spear, pinching the seams to seal.
- Arrange & Top:
- Arrange the wrapped pickles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Butter & Cheese:
- Brush each stick with melted butter and sprinkle with any remaining cheese and a little extra Cajun seasoning.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Finish & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.
Save My kids love helping roll up the pickles, and it has become a fun family tradition before movie nights. Sharing these sticks around the table always brings smiles.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, pastry brush, knife or pizza cutter
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (cheese, butter), Egg (may be present in dough or ranch dressing—check labels). Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per stick: Calories: 190, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 6 g
Save Try serving these with marinara sauce for a tasty twist. They are a crowd-pleaser every time you bake them.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these pickle sticks vegan?
Yes, just substitute vegan cheese and dairy-free butter, and double-check your dough ingredients for animal products.
- → How do I prevent soggy dough?
Pat pickle spears dry before wrapping. This ensures the dough stays crisp during baking.
- → Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works well and adds a fresh flavor. Roll to a similar thickness for best results.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch dressing is classic, but marinara or spicy mayonnaise are tasty alternatives for dipping.
- → How spicy are these sticks?
They have a mild Cajun kick. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or use spicy pickles in the filling.
- → Are these suitable for parties?
Yes! They are easy to prepare and make excellent finger food for gatherings with a Southern twist.