If you’re looking for something luxuriously creamy, fragrant with garlic, and irresistibly cheesy, this White Pizza Recipe is everything you crave. Skipping the standard tomato sauce, it layers ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan atop a crisp golden crust, all finished with aromatic herbs and a hint of lemon zest. Every bite is a cozy invitation into Italian-American comfort food at its very best, perfect for nights when you want to indulge or impress guests with minimal fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this White Pizza Recipe is delightfully simple, and every ingredient serves a key role in building both flavor and texture. These classic components come together to create a pizza that’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit tangy—an irresistible combination you won’t want to miss.
- Pizza Dough: The sturdy base that bakes up crisp on the outside and soft inside—homemade or store-bought both work!
- Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust for a golden color and subtle earthy richness.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness and that traditional white pizza softness everyone loves.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for those classic gooey, stretchy cheese pulls.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, salty punch that deepens every bite.
- Garlic (Minced): Lends big flavor—don’t skip for maximum aroma!
- Dried Oregano: Classically Italian, it brings warmth and savory depth to the pizza.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Just a pinch for those who love some heat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Lemon Zest (Optional): A touch brightens up the richness with a gentle zing.
- Fresh Basil or Arugula (Optional): For that peppery, herby finish that makes the pizza pop.
How to Make White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools
Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C), placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This step ensures your crust gets wonderfully crisp and evenly cooked, capturing the essence of any great White Pizza Recipe.
Step 2: Shape and Transfer the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your preferred thickness. Don’t worry about achieving a perfect circle—a rustic shape only adds to the homemade charm. Once it’s ready, carefully transfer the dough to parchment paper for easy handling and a fuss-free bake.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Ricotta
Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, making sure you get all the edges for a golden crust. Next, spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the oiled dough—this luscious layer is what sets a White Pizza Recipe apart and makes every slice cloud-soft.
Step 4: Layer on the Flavor
Time to build! Sprinkle the minced garlic over the ricotta, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Dust everything with dried oregano, a hint of crushed red pepper flakes if you want some gentle heat, and season lightly with salt and pepper. For a burst of brightness, scatter on some lemon zest if you like.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pizza (parchment and all) onto your warmed stone or sheet. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, keeping a close eye as the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles up invitingly. If you like an extra-crisp crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, immediately garnish your pizza with fresh basil or a handful of arugula. Their green, peppery notes cut the richness beautifully and make the whole pizza feel fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a scatter of arugula on top just before serving adds a burst of color and a peppery, herby zip that delights both the eyes and the palate. For extra flair, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can work wonders.
Side Dishes
This White Pizza Recipe pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, perhaps with lemon vinaigrette or shaved fennel, to balance the pizza’s creamy richness. For something more indulgent, roasted vegetables or a light soup make wonderful companions and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the pizza into thin strips for elegant appetizer “pizza sticks,” or serve as part of a DIY pizza night with friends and let everyone add their own custom toppings post-bake. For a fun twist, try making mini white pizzas and serve them as crowd-pleasing party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store extra slices of White Pizza Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and make a delicious snack or easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza, let it cool completely, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months while preserving their flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked crispness, reheat leftover pizza on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes. For smaller amounts, a skillet over medium heat brings back the crunch without drying out the creamy center.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this White Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is perfect for keeping things simple and still delivers lovely results. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out for the best texture.
What makes a White Pizza Recipe different from a regular pizza?
Unlike traditional pies with tomato sauce, this pizza focuses on creamy cheeses and aromatic garlic, which create a richer, more subtly savory flavor profile.
Can I add other toppings to this White Pizza Recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is a fabulous base for additions like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, prosciutto, or even roasted garlic. Just watch the moisture content to keep the crust crisp.
Is there a way to make this pizza ahead for a party?
You can prep and assemble the pizza (minus the fresh herbs) a few hours early and store it covered in the fridge. Simply bake just before you want to serve, then top with herbs and arugula.
How can I make my crust extra crispy?
Pre-bake the rolled-out dough for about 5 minutes before adding the cheese and toppings. Using a heated pizza stone or very hot baking sheet also helps achieve that irresistible, bakery-style crust.
Final Thoughts
This White Pizza Recipe is truly one to keep in rotation—simple to prepare, endlessly comforting, and always a crowd favorite. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something a little different, and let it become your own kitchen classic. You’re just one bake away from pure pizza joy!
Print
White Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this White Pizza, featuring a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic garlic. This vegetarian delight is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 ball (about 16 ounces) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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 dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh basil or arugula for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your 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 lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper.
- Add Toppings: Brush the dough with olive oil, spread ricotta cheese, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Bake: Transfer pizza with parchment to hot stone or sheet. Bake for 10–13 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Top with fresh basil or arugula before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or prosciutto for variety.
- Try garlic herb butter instead of olive oil for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
