This tasty White Pizza is like a creamy dream! With a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, it’s a cheesy delight without the usual tomato sauce.
Perfect for those nights when you crave something a bit different yet comforting. I love piling on fresh spinach or mushrooms for a boost. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or try making your own for a fresh taste. If you want a lighter option, consider using a cauliflower crust.
Ricotta Cheese: This is a key ingredient for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try cottage cheese instead. For a more flavorful substitution, goat cheese can add a tangy twist!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in provolone or any melty cheese you like. Just remember that different cheeses will change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast; it has a cheesy flavor but won’t melt.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor! Light olive oil can work too, but it won’t have the same richness. Canola oil is a neutral option that won’t add much flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pizza Crust Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting that crust right can be tricky! Here are some tips for a great pizza base:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a crispy crust.
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up for best results.
- Roll out your dough evenly on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Leave a small border when spreading your ricotta mixture. This allows the crust to rise and become fluffy.
- Let the pizza cool for a minute after baking to avoid burns. Cut it into slices with a sharp pizza cutter for clean cuts.
How to Make White Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful White Pizza will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes before you can enjoy a slice of deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven so it gets nice and hot while you’re preparing your pizza.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a clean, floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness and shape. Once it looks good, transfer it onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, the minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t forget to add half of the grated Parmesan cheese as well! Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
4. Spread the Cheese Mixture:
Carefully spread the ricotta mixture over the pizza dough, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite is cheesy and delicious!
5. Add More Cheese:
Now sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the ricotta layer. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
6. Drizzle and Season:
Drizzle the olive oil gently over the cheese. Then sprinkle the dried oregano and basil evenly across the pizza to give it that delicious Italian flavor. Add more salt and pepper if you like it extra tasty!
7. Bake It Up:
Carefully slide the pizza into your preheated oven (or onto your hot pizza stone). Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Garnish:
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. If you want, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, cut the pizza into slices and serve it hot. Enjoy every cheesy bite of your homemade White Pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and often gives you delicious results. Just follow the package instructions for rolling it out. Most brands are quite reliable and make for a quick and easy meal!
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly. If using cream cheese, make sure to soften it before mixing to avoid lumps in your cheese spread!
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, place slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
Can I Add Toppings to This White Pizza?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding toppings like spinach, artichokes, or cooked chicken. Just be mindful of the moisture content; if adding watery veggies, consider sautéing them first to prevent sogginess.
