A rich and comforting Italian-style white pizza made without tomato sauce, featuring a golden crust topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, garlic, and fragrant herbs. This pizza is all about simple ingredients coming together to create deep, satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This white pizza is perfect if you want something different from traditional red-sauce pizza. The creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with melted cheese, creating a soft and rich texture, while garlic and herbs add depth and aroma. It’s easy to prepare at home, customizable, and ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the topping:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Directions
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle and place it on a baking tray or pizza stone.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve warm.
You can customize this white pizza in many ways. Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, spinach for freshness, or grilled chicken for extra protein. For a slightly sweet contrast, thin apple slices or caramelized onions work beautifully. You can also swap mozzarella with provolone or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soft.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.
What makes white pizza different?
White pizza doesn’t use tomato sauce and instead focuses on cheese, oil, and herbs.
Can I make this pizza without ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone.
How do I get a crispy crust?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or use a very hot oven.
Can I freeze white pizza?
Yes, you can freeze baked slices for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s simple and very beginner-friendly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight.
What herbs pair best with white pizza?
Oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary are excellent choices.
Conclusion
White pizza is a delicious twist on classic pizza, offering creamy textures and rich flavors without tomato sauce. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect for experimenting with different toppings. Once you try it, it might become one of your favorite homemade pizza recipes.
A classic Italian-style white pizza featuring a golden crust topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, garlic, and aromatic herbs for a rich and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
For the dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the topping:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing into a dough.
Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Roll out dough and place on a baking tray or pizza stone.
Mix ricotta, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread ricotta mixture over the dough.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
