Introduction
If you’re a fan of pizza with a twist, then White Pizza is sure to delight your taste buds. This creamy and savory dish is a perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and aromatic herbs, served on a delectable crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a slice for yourself, this recipe is simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, grated
Heaping ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
½ teaspoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Cornmeal, for stretching the dough
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Red pepper flakes
Prep Time
1 hour (includes time for dough to sit at room temperature)
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-3 people
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before stretching.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as your oven goes).
3. Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and grated garlic.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped thyme, lemon zest, and sea salt.
5. Stretch and Par-Bake the Dough: Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal. Place the pizza dough on the baking sheet and stretch it into a large circle or oval. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough. Par-bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
6. Assemble the Pizza: Remove the crust from the oven and dock it again with a fork to remove any air bubbles. Brush the garlic oil over the par-baked crust. Dollop the ricotta mixture onto the center and spread it into a thin layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Top with torn mozzarella pieces, followed by the grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese.
7. Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbling.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves and pinches of red pepper flakes. Slice and serve.
Enjoy your delicious homemade White Pizza!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you are using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before you begin stretching it.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 500°F (or the highest setting available on your oven).
Prepare the Garlic Oil
In a small bowl, mix together the extra-virgin olive oil and grated garlic until well combined.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, chopped fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, and sea salt. Stir until blended.
Stretch and Par-Bake the Dough
– Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
– Place the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet and stretch it into a large circle or oval shape.
– Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the dough.
– Par-bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until it is lightly set.
Assemble the Pizza
– Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and dock it again with a fork to release any air bubbles.
– Brush the garlic oil mixture evenly over the par-baked crust.
– Dollop the ricotta mixture into the center and spread it out into a thin layer, ensuring to leave a 1-inch border around the edges.
– Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter them on top of the ricotta layer, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese.
Bake the Pizza
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with red pepper flakes as desired. Slice the pizza and serve hot.
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Variations
Feel free to add other toppings such as sautéed vegetables or different herbs to customize the flavor of your White Pizza.
Cheese Options
You can experiment with different cheeses, like goat cheese or feta, to change the flavor profile of your pizza.
Cook techniques
Preparing Pizza Dough
Using store-bought pizza dough saves time, but letting it sit at room temperature for an hour helps it stretch more easily and retain a better texture when baked.
Preheating the Oven
A high oven temperature (500°F) is key for achieving a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy toppings.
Making Garlic Oil
Mixing grated garlic with olive oil allows the garlic flavor to infuse the oil, enhancing the pizza’s overall taste when brushed over the dough.
Creating the Ricotta Mixture
Combining ricotta cheese with herbs and seasonings such as thyme, lemon zest, and salt provides a flavorful base that complements the other toppings.
Stretching the Dough
Dusting the baking sheet with cornmeal before placing the dough helps prevent sticking while adding a subtle crunch to the base.
Par-Baking the Crust
Par-baking the crust for a few minutes ensures that it begins to cook. This prevents sogginess when the ricotta mixture and other toppings are added.
Assembling the Pizza
Dolloping the ricotta mixture and carefully spreading it creates an even layer, while leaving a border ensures a good crust when baked.
Baking the Pizza
Returning the assembled pizza to the oven after par-baking allows the cheese to melt and bubble, creating an irresistible topping.
Garnishing the Pizza
Adding fresh basil and red pepper flakes after baking enhances the flavor and presentation, making the pizza visually appealing and flavorful.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese for this pizza?
Absolutely! You can substitute or mix different cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or any creamy cheese you prefer.
How do I store leftover pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I freeze the white pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last for up to 3 months.
What toppings can I add to the white pizza?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or mushrooms, or proteins like grilled chicken or prosciutto for more variety.
Is this pizza a good option for parties?
Yes, white pizza is a crowd-pleaser and can be made in larger quantities for gatherings, making it a great addition to any party menu.
Conclusion
The White Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, showcasing the creamy richness of ricotta and mozzarella combined with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Its simplicity allows the flavors to shine, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or entertaining guests. Enjoy this versatile dish, and feel free to customize it to suit your taste!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spinach and Artichoke White Pizza
Add sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts to the ricotta mixture for a creamy, flavorful addition.
White Pizza with Roasted Garlic
Roast a whole head of garlic until soft and caramelized, then mash it into the ricotta for a deeper flavor.
Truffle White Pizza
Drizzle truffle oil over the finished pizza for a luxurious touch that elevates the simple ingredients.
Mushroom and Goat Cheese White Pizza
Top your pizza with sautéed mushrooms and crumbled goat cheese for a tangy contrast to the creamy ricotta.
White Pizza with Prosciutto and Arugula
After baking, add slices of prosciutto and fresh arugula on top for a fresh, savory finish.
