White Pizza

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Whenever I’m craving something indulgent yet unexpectedly elegant, I go straight for this White Pizza. It’s a creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused flatbread that hits all the right notes—without a drop of tomato sauce. I love how the simplicity of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan lets each ingredient shine. The golden, blistered crust paired with the melty richness of cheese and a scattering of fresh herbs is pure comfort in every bite.

This pizza is a perfect blank canvas too. I’ve made it dozens of times, tweaking the cheeses or tossing on some arugula or prosciutto after baking. It’s just as good for a weeknight dinner as it is for a casual get-together with friends. If you’re looking to change up your usual pizza routine, this white pizza might just become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This White Pizza

White pizza delivers the ultimate cheesy experience. There’s no tomato sauce to mask the flavor—just creamy, garlicky, cheese-loaded goodness. The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a velvety texture and a balanced flavor. It’s also incredibly customizable—top it with fresh greens, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of honey for something more gourmet.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

The beauty of white pizza lies in its cheeses. I use whole milk mozzarella for that perfect melt and stretch, ricotta for creaminess, and grated Parmesan for a sharp bite. You can mix it up with fontina or provolone for extra depth. Try to avoid pre-shredded cheeses—they often have anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have ricotta? Swap in creamy goat cheese or mascarpone for a different but delicious texture. If mozzarella isn’t available, fontina, provolone, or even burrata will do the trick. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives and a vegan-friendly crust. Gluten-free pizza doughs also work perfectly for this recipe.

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Ingredients for this White Pizza

• Pizza Dough – A high-quality or homemade dough is the base of everything. It needs to be chewy, slightly crisp on the outside, and sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
• Olive Oil – Used to brush the crust and base, it enhances flavor and helps with browning.
• Garlic – Minced garlic infuses the olive oil with depth and provides a signature white pizza aroma.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Gives that classic stretchy, melty texture and mild creamy flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese – Adds richness and creaminess with a fluffy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – Provides a salty, umami kick to balance the other cheeses.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
• Fresh Herbs (like basil, oregano, or arugula) – Fresh toppings give a contrast in color and flavor, especially when added after baking.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Roll or stretch your pizza dough onto a pizza stone, baking sheet, or cast-iron skillet. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it more pliable.

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Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil Base

Mix olive oil with freshly minced garlic. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough, going all the way to the edges. This acts as your flavorful foundation in place of tomato sauce.

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Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Drop dollops of ricotta cheese across the dough. Follow by layering slices or shreds of mozzarella over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

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Step 4: Season

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the entire surface. This simple seasoning enhances the cheese and garlic flavors.

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Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Slide the pizza in and bake for 10-14 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling with some toasted spots.

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Step 6: Finish with Fresh Greens

Once out of the oven, top your white pizza with fresh herbs like basil, or scatter on some baby arugula for a peppery contrast. Slice and serve hot.

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How Long to Prepare the White Pizza

Prep Time: If you’re starting with ready-made dough, the prep takes around 15 minutes. This includes stretching the dough, preparing the garlic oil, and layering the cheese.

Cook Time: The baking takes about 10 to 14 minutes in a 475°F oven, depending on how browned you like your cheese and crust. In total, from start to finish, this white pizza is ready in under 30 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect White Pizza

• Use room temperature dough to make stretching easier and avoid tears.
• Don’t overload the cheese—balance is key for even baking.
• Preheat your oven fully. A hot oven ensures the crust is crisp and the cheese bubbles properly.
• A pizza stone or steel will dramatically improve crust texture.
• Add fresh herbs or arugula after baking to keep them vibrant and flavorful.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Cold Dough: It resists stretching and may bake unevenly.
• Too Much Moisture: Excess ricotta or wet mozzarella can lead to a soggy crust.
• Skipping Seasoning: Cheese alone isn’t salty enough. A little salt and pepper goes a long way.
• Baking on a Cold Surface: Always preheat your baking sheet or stone.
• Overbaking: The cheese can turn rubbery. Pull it once it’s golden and bubbling.

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What to Serve With White Pizza?

1. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

The peppery arugula and tangy dressing balance out the rich, creamy pizza.

2. Roasted Garlic Broccolini

Its bitterness and crisp edges offer a satisfying contrast.

3. Tomato Basil Soup

A warm and familiar pairing that adds comfort without competing in flavor.

4. Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

Earthy and slightly sweet, they echo the umami flavors in the cheese.

5. Sparkling Water or White Wine

Clean and refreshing, these help cut through the richness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover white pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a hot skillet or oven for best texture—avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy.

Freezing: You can freeze baked slices wrapped individually in foil, then stored in a zip-top bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Slice (based on 8 slices):

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dough works best?

Any high-gluten dough that crisps up nicely in a hot oven works well. Homemade, store-bought, or even sourdough-based dough are all great.

Can I add meat to white pizza?

Absolutely. Cooked bacon, pancetta, or even shredded chicken work beautifully.

Is it okay to use store-bought ricotta?

Yes, just drain it slightly if it’s too watery to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this pizza vegan?

Yes. Use plant-based cheeses and vegan-friendly dough. Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more texture.

How do I reheat it without ruining the crust?

Reheat in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty.

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Conclusion

White pizza is a refreshing break from the usual red sauce pies. It’s creamy, rich, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re keeping it simple with just cheese and herbs or adding your own twist, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With quick prep, simple ingredients, and unbeatable flavor, it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

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