White Garlic Pizza Recipe
Imagine biting into a bubbling, golden slice of White Garlic Pizza, where the aroma of fresh garlic mingles with melty ricotta and the comforting crackle of a thin, crisp crust. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pizza — it’s the perfect marriage of creamy cheeses, vibrant parsley, and that irresistible buttery garlic sauce that sinks right into the dough. White Garlic Pizza is a weeknight hero or a party-pleasing centerpiece, with just enough elegance to make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria, right in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about recipes that let a handful of simple, quality ingredients shine. Each element in this White Garlic Pizza brings its own richness, body, or bright pop to the party — don’t skip or skimp on them! Here’s what you’ll need, with tips for the best results.
- Prepared pizza dough: The foundation for our White Garlic Pizza; use a good-quality fresh or thawed dough for the best chewy texture and crisp edges.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): This is our flavor vehicle, delivering buttery richness and helping the garlic bloom beautifully on the crust.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): The soul of this recipe; mince it very fine for maximum aroma and even distribution across the pizza.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (¾ cup): Gives that signature pizza pull and creamy melt, balancing the sharper flavors of the other cheeses.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds depth, nuttiness, and another layer of cheesy goodness to the topping.
- Ricotta cheese (¼ cup, dolloped): Creamy clouds on top; look for whole milk ricotta for extra richness in each bite.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, plus extra for garnish): A splash of color and fresh, herby flavor — add extra just before serving for the prettiest finish.
- Salt and black pepper (a pinch each): The essentials to make all your cheesy, garlicky flavors pop.
How to Make White Garlic Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a lovely 12–14 inch round. This process is half the fun — if your dough is fighting you, let it rest a few minutes, then try again. Transfer the dough carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet or straight onto a trusty pizza stone if you have one.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
Time for the magic! In a small bowl, combine your melted unsalted butter and finely minced garlic. Mix well, then lovingly brush or spoon this mixture all over the surface of your dough. Don’t forget to go all the way to the edge for a flavorful, golden crust.
Step 3: Top with Cheeses
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top of the garlic-buttered dough, being careful to leave a small border all the way around for the perfect pizza edge. Next, drop dollops of creamy ricotta across the top — no need for perfection, just aim for coverage so every slice gets a little ricotta glory.
Step 4: Season
Give your White Garlic Pizza a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. The salt brings out the flavors in all that cheese while freshly cracked black pepper adds an aromatic kick that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you’re looking for a golden, crisp crust and cheese that’s bubbling enthusiastically and just starting to brown in gorgeous spots.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
As soon as your White Garlic Pizza emerges, shower it with chopped fresh parsley (the steam will help the flavor bloom). Let it settle for a minute, then slice up and serve while it’s still steaming and irresistible.
How to Serve White Garlic Pizza
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish! Sprinkle extra fresh parsley just before serving for a satisfying color contrast, or try a quick drizzle of good olive oil for an added layer of richness. For those who like a slight kick, a light dusting of crushed red pepper takes this White Garlic Pizza up a notch.
Side Dishes
With such creamy, garlicky goodness, you’ll want sides that brighten things up. Think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a platter of roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling extra, offer a bowl of marinated olives or a chilled glass of crisp white wine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve mini versions of your White Garlic Pizza as a party appetizer, cut into easy-to-grab strips or small wedges. For family pizza night, set out a few topping bowls — think roasted artichokes, mushrooms, or baby spinach — so everyone can build their own flavor twist on each slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover White Garlic Pizza (unlikely, but it happens!), let it cool completely before wrapping slices tightly in foil or an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 2 days, still keeping that garlicky, cheesy magic.
Freezing
White Garlic Pizza freezes surprisingly well. Cool the slices, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap followed by foil (or freeze in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag). When a pizza craving strikes, just pull out a slice or two as needed, and they’ll keep for about one month.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your White Garlic Pizza in a 375°F oven for about 7–8 minutes, right on the rack or on a baking sheet. This keeps the crust crisp and the toppings luscious — a quick zap in a skillet also works wonders for texture. Avoid the microwave, which softens the crust.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works beautifully for White Garlic Pizza. Just make sure it’s thawed and at room temperature so it’s easy to stretch and bakes up crispy.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite high-quality gluten-free pizza dough or crust recipe — all the toppings and buttery garlic flavors are naturally gluten-free and just as tasty.
How can I make it even richer or more flavorful?
Try stirring some minced garlic into the ricotta before dolloping onto the pizza, or experiment with extra cheese varieties like fontina or pecorino. A finishing drizzle of garlic oil or a handful of baby arugula after baking adds another flavor dimension.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely. Roasted artichokes, thinly sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even caramelized onions are delicious additions that pair wonderfully with the creamy base of White Garlic Pizza. Just be sure not to overload so the crust stays crisp.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A parchment-lined baking sheet works just fine. For an ultra-crispy crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 4–5 minutes before adding toppings, then finish with cheese and bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and just a little bit impressive about sharing a homemade White Garlic Pizza with friends and family. With its creamy cheeses, irresistible aroma, and golden, garlicky crust, it’s the sort of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Don’t wait — roll up your sleeves, invite a friend, and treat yourselves to a slice of pure pizza bliss!
Print
White Garlic Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approx.) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this White Garlic Pizza, where a luscious blend of cheeses meets the bold flavor of garlic on a golden crust. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 prepared pizza dough (about 12–14 inches)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese, dolloped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12–14 inch round and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Garlic Butter Spread: In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic, then spread evenly over the dough’s surface.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly, leaving a small border around the edge. Drop dollops of ricotta across the top.
- Season and Bake: Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Final Touch: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra depth, stir minced garlic into the ricotta before dolloping.
- You can drizzle olive oil over the pizza before serving or add sliced roasted artichokes, thinly sliced mushrooms, or spinach for variation.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 4–5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
