White Pizza Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cloud of rich, creamy cheese nestled atop a perfectly golden, crispy crust, this White Pizza Recipe is about to become your new obsession. With no red sauce in sight, it lets garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs shine for a flavor that’s both comforting and just a little bit fancy. Whether you’re a pizza night traditionalist or someone in search of a simple yet stunning twist, my White Pizza Recipe brings all the joy of artisan pizza right to your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about making this White Pizza Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each component works its delicious magic. Every single item has a big part to play in the taste, texture, and that irresistible melted cheese factor we crave.
- Pizza Dough: Homemade or store-bought, the dough is your foundation and the canvas for all the cheesy goodness. Choose a dough that you know will bake up with a crisp edge and a tender center.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle on the crust helps it turn beautifully golden and adds a subtle, fruity undertone.
- Ricotta Cheese: This is your “sauce” — it creates that creamy base and lends the pizza its signature luscious texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gives you that classic stretch and milky flavor. Use whole milk mozzarella for the dreamiest melt.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that truly rounds out every bite. Freshly grated is best!
- Garlic (minced): Nothing beats the zing of fresh garlic against creamy cheese. Don’t be shy — it’s a key player here.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs makes all the difference, infusing the crust with a subtle earthy aroma.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the cheese and dough just right. Taste as you go!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For that tiny, tingly hit of heat that makes everything pop.
- Fresh Basil or Arugula for Garnish (optional): A flourish of greenery wakes up the whole pizza and adds color and peppery freshness right at the end.
How to Make White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C) and set a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside. This step helps the crust cook up extra crispy on the bottom, which makes all the difference. Having everything hot before your pizza goes in mimics the effect of a professional pizza oven and ensures a lovely texture.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Flour your work surface and gently roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about perfection — a few rustic edges make it look artisanal! Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. This keeps things tidy and makes sliding the pizza onto the hot stone a breeze.
Step 3: Dress with Olive Oil and Ricotta
Lightly brush the surface of your dough with olive oil to encourage that gorgeous golden color and a hint of fruity flavor. Next, dollop and spread the ricotta evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust. The ricotta should look pillowy and inviting — it’s truly the secret to why this White Pizza Recipe feels so luxurious.
Step 4: Add Garlic, Mozzarella, and Parmesan
Scatter the minced garlic right over the ricotta, making sure every slice has a little garlicky goodness. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly across the pizza. Layering these cheeses creates the ultimate oozy, slightly browned top you expect from any memorable pizza experience.
Step 5: Season and Spice
Dust the pizza with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you enjoy a touch of zing, now’s the time to shake on some crushed red pepper flakes. You’ll find that even a small amount perks up the creamy cheese without overpowering it.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Using the parchment paper as a sling, transfer your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and those cheesy peaks bubble and brown irresistibly. That quick blast of high heat is the magic for texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove your masterpiece from the oven and, if you like, shower it with fresh basil leaves or peppery arugula. Let it cool for a minute or two (hard as it is to wait!) before slicing. Serve hot for the full, creamy, stretchy, herb-flecked White Pizza Recipe experience.
How to Serve White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! For the best pop of color and flavor, scatter torn fresh basil leaves or a handful of arugula right on top just before serving. Their freshness contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese, making every bite even more exciting. If you like, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest takes this White Pizza Recipe even further.
Side Dishes
This pizza is a standout on its own, but pairing it with something fresh and simple really completes the meal. Think a crisp green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette or a side of roasted seasonal veggies. For a cozy Italian dinner, serve with a big bowl of minestrone soup or roasted tomato soup on the side. When serving a crowd, offer antipasto platters for a little grazing before the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, try slicing your White Pizza Recipe into small squares or strips for a fun appetizer. A wooden pizza paddle or rustic cutting board turns it into a centerpiece-worthy presentation. You can even bake the pizza as smaller, individual rounds for a personal touch — perfect for dinner parties or a special family night in. Don’t forget: an extra scatter of Parmesan right before serving elevates the look and flavor every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess. Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld and stay delicious, so you’ll have a savory snack or quick lunch ready when you need it.
Freezing
This White Pizza Recipe is freezer-friendly! Wrap cooled slices in parchment paper, then in foil, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. The pizza will keep its quality for up to two months. When a craving strikes, you’ll have cheesy goodness just minutes away.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes. This brings back the crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it can make the crust chewy, but if you’re in a rush, 30–60 seconds should do it. A quick pass under the broiler for a minute revives the bubbly, golden cheese beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this White Pizza Recipe?
Yes! Store-bought dough works beautifully and makes pizza night so easy. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use that, too. The key is letting the dough come to room temperature so it rolls out easily and bakes up tender.
What other toppings go well with White Pizza Recipe?
So many delicious options! Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, spinach, or roasted garlic all work well without overwhelming the delicate cheese blend. You can also try thin slices of zucchini, artichoke hearts, or even a sprinkle of crispy pancetta if you’re feeling fancy.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, whipped cottage cheese or mascarpone make good stand-ins, giving a similar creamy base. Just be sure to season well for maximum flavor, and drain any excess moisture before spreading to keep the crust crisp.
How can I get an extra crispy crust?
If you love a shatteringly crisp crust, prebake your dough for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings. Also, always use a hot stone or baking sheet — the initial burst of heat gives you that satisfying crunch that makes this White Pizza Recipe a true standout.
Can I make the White Pizza Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Just keep in mind that some gluten-free doughs bake faster, so check for doneness a minute or two early. All the cheesy, garlicky glory of the original still shines through.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring this White Pizza Recipe to your table, whether it’s for a cozy date night or a lively gathering of friends. The combination of creamy cheeses, aromatic garlic, and herby crust makes every slice a little celebration. Give it a go, customize it with your favorite toppings, and savor each cheesy, golden bite. Happy pizza making!
Print
White Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza, about 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this White Pizza Recipe. With a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this pizza is a delightful twist on the classic favorite.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.
- Prepare Pizza: Brush the dough with olive oil. Spread ricotta cheese, minced garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with basil or arugula, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach for added flavor.
- For a crispier crust, prebake the dough for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
