White Pizza Recipe
White pizza, also known as pizza bianca, is a delicious, cheese-laden alternative to traditional tomato sauce-based pizza. This recipe features a flavorful garlic and ricotta base, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan, all topped with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality experience at home. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer, this white pizza is creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water 110°F
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the White Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- For the Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the White Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.
- Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes and dried thyme if using.
- Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Slice with a pizza cutter and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone for a richer taste.
Add toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone for a richer taste.
Add toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C).