Name: White Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. pizza dough, divided in half; Vegetable oil, for brushing; Coarse cornmeal, for sprinkling; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch for garlic oil; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano; 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/4 cup pecorino Romano cheese, divided; Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Introduction

White pizza offers a delicious alternative to traditional tomato-based pies, highlighting creamy cheeses and fragrant herbs. This recipe creates a crispy, golden crust topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and a simple garlic-infused olive oil. It’s a perfect choice when you want something rich yet fresh.

Two pizzas with thick, golden crusts rest on a white marbled surface. Each pizza has a melted orange cheese base topping the dough, with thick dollops of creamy white ricotta cheese spaced evenly on top. Scattered across the pizzas are thin, roasted garlic slices that are golden-brown and crispy. Fresh green herb leaves and small red chili flakes are sprinkled lightly over the cheese, adding color and texture contrast. The focus is on the close-up part of the pizzas showing detailed textures of the toppings and crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. pizza dough, divided in half

Vegetable oil, for brushing

Coarse cornmeal, for sprinkling

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups ricotta

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano

1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme

2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided

1/4 cup pecorino Romano, divided

Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 500°F. Brush two large baking sheets with vegetable oil and sprinkle each with a layer of coarse cornmeal to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and stir until lightly golden, then immediately remove from heat. Strain the garlic out, season it with a pinch of salt, and set both the garlic and oil aside.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the chopped oregano and thyme. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, shape each half of the pizza dough into a round ball. Press down the center of each ball to create a 1/2-inch crust edge. Supporting the dough on the back of your hands and knuckles, gently stretch it out using gravity by moving your hands along the crust inch by inch. Transfer each dough round to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Brush each pizza dough generously with the reserved garlic olive oil. Sprinkle each pizza with 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons pecorino Romano. Then, dollop about 3/4 cup of the ricotta mixture evenly across each pizza.

Step 6: Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining chopped herbs, reserved garlic slices, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving.

Substitute fresh thyme and oregano with dried herbs if needed, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an added veggie boost without overpowering the delicate cheese flavors.

If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out more before baking.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and can save time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching for best results.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can use mascarpone or cream cheese as a substitute, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.