Name: White Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup yellow cornmeal; 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

A white pizza is a delightful departure from the traditional tomato-based pizza. Instead of the usual marinara sauce, a rich blend of cheeses, garlic, and olive oil creates a creamy and savory base that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or a special occasion, this white pizza offers a refreshing, decadent twist on a classic favorite. The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan provides a perfect balance of creamy, melty goodness, while a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes adds depth and flavor. Plus, with minimal ingredients, it’s simple to prepare yet indulgent enough to satisfy any pizza craving. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the amount of garlic and cheese to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, mouthwatering white pizza from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With minimal preparation and just a few ingredients, this white pizza is a breeze to put together. Whether you use store-bought dough or make your own, you can have this pizza ready to enjoy in no time.

2. Creamy and Savory

The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, indulgent texture that melts beautifully on the pizza. It’s a perfect contrast to the slight heat from the red pepper flakes.

3. Versatile Flavor Profile

The white pizza can easily be customized to suit different tastes. You can add vegetables, meats, or herbs, or even change up the cheese combination for a completely different twist.

4. No Tomato Sauce Needed

This recipe is a great option for people who prefer pizzas without tomato sauce. The rich, garlicky olive oil base provides a flavorful alternative.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

From a casual dinner to a dinner party, this white pizza fits any setting. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

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

Vegetable White Pizza: Add toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted garlic for added flavor and texture.
Meat Lover’s White Pizza: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or prosciutto for a savory, meaty twist.
Herb Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to bring extra aromatic flavors to the pizza.
Cheese Variety: Swap the ricotta with goat cheese, or add Gruyère for a sharper taste.
Vegan White Pizza: Use dairy-free mozzarella and ricotta to create a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired size. If you’re using store-bought dough, simply let it come to room temperature before stretching it out.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the pizza crust perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Base

Dust your pizza peel or baking sheet with yellow cornmeal. This will prevent the dough from sticking and create a crispy texture on the crust. Place the stretched dough on the prepared surface.

Step 4: Add Olive Oil and Garlic

Drizzle the pizza dough with extra-virgin olive oil, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the finely grated garlic over the top, ensuring an even distribution for flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Cheese

Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese over the pizza dough.

Step 6: Season

Sprinkle the pizza with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make sure your dough is at room temperature before you stretch it out, as cold dough can be harder to work with.
If you don’t have a pizza peel, use a baking sheet or a large flat spatula to transfer the pizza into the oven.
If you prefer a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, so use the freshest cheese possible.
Adjust the amount of garlic depending on your preference for flavor.

How to Serve

White pizza is delicious served as is, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar or mixed green salad. You can also serve it alongside a light soup or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a more casual meal, serve it with some garlic bread or a simple antipasto platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover white pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices of pizza in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until the crust becomes crispy again and the cheese is melted.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free.

2. Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese?

Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly fine in this recipe.

3. How do I make the crust crispy?

Ensure your oven is preheated properly, and consider using a pizza stone or baking sheet for an extra crispy bottom.

4. Can I add meat to this white pizza?

Absolutely! Bacon, sausage, or prosciutto would be excellent additions.

5. Can I make this recipe without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or substitute it with garlic powder or fresh herbs.

6. Can I freeze this pizza?

Yes, the pizza can be frozen before or after baking. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.

7. Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with other soft cheeses like burrata, or add a sharper cheese like Gruyère for a different flavor.

8. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

9. How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to pre-bake the dough slightly if you’re using moist toppings like ricotta. This will help the crust remain crisp.

10. What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

This white pizza is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings together a blend of rich cheeses, aromatic garlic, and the perfect crispy crust. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight meal or as part of a special gathering, this pizza will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. It’s customizable, easy to make, and perfect for those who prefer a non-traditional pizza. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, every bite is guaranteed to delight.