If you’re a fan of pizza but want to try something different from the usual red sauce base, then this White Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. With a creamy blend of cheeses, rich olive oil, and a hint of garlic, this pizza offers a smooth and savory alternative to the traditional tomato sauce. The crisp, golden crust combined with the richness of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses creates a delightful dish that will have everyone at the table asking for more.

The best part of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a lot of ingredients to create a flavor-packed pizza. It’s all about the high-quality cheeses, the perfect dough, and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a special homemade pizza night, or a new way to enjoy pizza, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This White Pizza Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its indulgent, creamy flavor and perfect balance of cheeses. The combination of fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates a gooey, rich texture that’s just heavenly with every bite. Topped with a hint of garlic, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves, the flavors blend together in perfect harmony. Whether you choose to make the dough from scratch or use store-bought dough for convenience, the final result will be a flavorful and satisfying pizza. It’s also a versatile recipe, so feel free to experiment by adding other toppings, such as mushrooms, spinach, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.

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

Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this White Pizza Recipe your own! Here are a few variations:

Vegetarian Version: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for a fresh, earthy flavor to complement the cheeses.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic for an even richer flavor.
Spicy White Pizza: If you love a little heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the finished pizza.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or grilled chicken for a heartier pizza with a savory, meaty finish.
Gluten-Free: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust instead of regular pizza dough.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s heating.

Step 2: Prepare the pizza dough

If you’re using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface. For store-bought dough, simply unfold it and stretch it to fit your pizza pan. Sprinkle the pizza peel or baking sheet with yellow cornmeal to prevent sticking and add a crisp texture to the crust. Transfer the dough to the baking surface.

Step 3: Add the olive oil and garlic

Brush the rolled-out dough with extra-virgin olive oil. Then, sprinkle the finely grated garlic evenly over the pizza dough, infusing it with a savory aroma.

Step 4: Add the cheeses

Start by layering the fresh mozzarella evenly across the pizza. Then, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese all over the surface. Finally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan across the pizza for a sharp, salty flavor that adds depth.

Step 5: Season the pizza

Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Step 6: Bake the pizza

Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or pizza stone) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Add the basil

Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves. The heat from the pizza will release the basil’s fragrance, adding an aromatic touch to the dish.

Step 8: Slice and serve

Allow the pizza to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cornmeal for Texture: Don’t skip the cornmeal! It helps create a crispy texture and prevents the pizza from sticking to the surface.
Homemade Dough: If you have the time, homemade pizza dough can really elevate the flavor and texture of your pizza.
Even Cheese Distribution: Be sure to distribute the cheeses evenly across the pizza for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Oven Temperature: Preheating your oven to a high temperature is key to achieving a crispy, golden crust. If you have a pizza stone, use it for an even crispier finish.
Toppings: While the basic recipe is perfect on its own, feel free to add toppings like caramelized onions, prosciutto, or roasted garlic for added flavor.

How to Serve

This White Pizza Recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, whether you’re serving it on its own or paired with a simple salad. It also works well as part of a pizza night with a variety of toppings, letting everyone customize their own pies. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, slice it into smaller pieces and serve with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover white pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve its flavor and texture, store the pizza with a layer of parchment paper between slices.

Freezing

You can freeze White Pizza for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pizza slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is warm. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough is a convenient option and will still produce a delicious pizza.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this white pizza.

3. Can I add vegetables to this pizza?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes to enhance the flavor.

4. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella gives the best results, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella if needed.

5. How can I make this pizza spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking or drizzle with chili oil after baking.

6. Can I freeze white pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the pizza either whole or in slices for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

7. How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

Using cornmeal and baking the pizza on a preheated surface will help keep the crust crisp and prevent sogginess.

8. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before baking. Just add the basil after baking.

9. Can I add other cheeses?

Feel free to add cheeses like provolone, gouda, or fontina to customize the flavor to your liking.

10. Is ricotta necessary for this recipe?

Ricotta adds a creamy texture, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like mascarpone or even a spreadable goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This White Pizza Recipe is a simple yet indulgent take on traditional pizza that’s full of flavor and textures. With its combination of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan, it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a pizza that’s rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a fun way to switch up your pizza night, this white pizza is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and simply delicious!