Name: White Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup yellow cornmeal (for pizza dough surface); 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely grated; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces; ½ cup ricotta cheese; ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan; Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

White pizza is a delicious, flavorful alternative to traditional red sauce pizza. The creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and the sharpness of Parmesan combine beautifully for a rich and satisfying taste. Topped with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, this white pizza will become your new go-to for an indulgent and easy-to-make meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family.

With a crispy, golden crust and the rich, creamy combination of cheeses, every bite of this pizza is a savory treat. The absence of tomato sauce allows the cheeses to shine, creating a decadent pizza experience that will leave you craving more. Plus, with simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you can have this pizza on the table in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavors

The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates a cheesy, creamy experience that’s a satisfying alternative to the traditional pizza.

2. No Sauce Required

This recipe eliminates the need for tomato sauce, offering a refreshing change of pace and allowing the cheeses to take center stage.

3. Customizable

Feel free to add other toppings such as spinach, mushrooms, or garlic for added flavor. The base is versatile and can be adjusted to your tastes.

4. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this pizza comes together quickly for an easy weeknight meal or a weekend treat.

5. Perfect for Pizza Lovers

If you’re a fan of cheese, this pizza is sure to be a hit! It’s packed with three types of cheese, ensuring each bite is extra cheesy and delicious.

Ingredients

Yellow cornmeal
Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic, finely grated
Crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh mozzarella
Ricotta cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves

Variations

Add Vegetables: Top with spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the pizza after baking for an extra spicy kick.
Different Cheeses: Swap out ricotta for goat cheese or add a blend of mozzarella and fontina for a different flavor profile.
Meat Lovers: Add prosciutto, sausage, or pancetta for a meaty twist on this classic white pizza.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Sprinkle a 12-inch pizza stone or baking sheet with yellow cornmeal to prevent the pizza dough from sticking and to give the crust a nice, crisp texture.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the package. Stretch the dough into a round or oval shape, depending on your preference and the size of your baking surface.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Garlic

Brush the dough lightly with extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Sprinkle the finely grated garlic evenly over the dough for an aromatic base layer.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Start by scattering the fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough. Then, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese around the pizza and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 5: Season the Pizza

Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the pizza, making sure to season to taste.

Step 6: Bake

Carefully transfer the pizza to your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and top it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh mozzarella. It will melt beautifully and create that gooey, cheesy experience.
Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the pizza inside for a crispier crust.
Don’t Overload the Toppings: A white pizza is all about the balance between the cheeses and dough. Don’t overload it with too many toppings.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be added for additional flavor.

How to Serve

White pizza is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or a bowl of roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread or some crispy fries. A light red or white wine would complement the creamy flavors of the pizza, or a refreshing iced tea could balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover white pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the unbaked pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as usual. If freezing after baking, store the cooled pizza in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat frozen pizza, bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough is perfectly fine and will save you time. Just follow the instructions on the package for best results.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap out the mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for any cheese you prefer, such as goat cheese, feta, or fontina.

3. What can I use if I don’t have cornmeal?

If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the baking surface.

4. Can I add meat to this pizza?

Yes! You can add toppings like prosciutto, sausage, or pancetta for a meaty version of the white pizza.

5. How can I make the crust crispier?

For a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet and ensure your oven is hot enough before baking.

6. Can I use a pizza stone?

Yes, a pizza stone works wonderfully for achieving a crispy crust. Make sure to preheat it in the oven before baking your pizza.

7. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

8. Can I use non-dairy cheese?

Yes, you can use non-dairy cheese options like cashew-based cheeses or vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version of the pizza.

9. How long should I bake the pizza?

Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy.

10. Can I add vegetables to this pizza?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted garlic can complement the creamy cheese base beautifully.

Conclusion

White pizza is a deliciously creamy and indulgent alternative to the traditional pizza, offering a savory combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. With its crispy crust, flavorful garlic infusion, and fresh basil garnish, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe will impress anyone who loves cheesy, savory pizza.