If you’re craving a pizza that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor without the usual tomato sauce, this White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful dish that perfectly balances the mild tang of ricotta with gooey mozzarella, enveloped in a golden, crispy crust. Whether you make it for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this white pizza stands out as a comforting and elegant twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that rich, luscious texture and savory flavor that makes the pizza so irresistible. From the creamy ricotta to the aromatic herbs, these staples come together effortlessly for a truly memorable bite.
- 1 pizza dough (12-16 ounces, store-bought or homemade): The base of your pizza, choose a dough with good elasticity to hold the toppings perfectly.
- ¼ cup cornmeal (optional): Adds a wonderful crunch and prevents sticking when baking on the sheet.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Ideal for dusting your surface to roll out the dough without tears.
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Offers creamy richness and light texture that melts beautifully on the crust.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, umami depth to the ricotta mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Provides a fragrant punch that infuses into the cheese blend.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness typical of Italian cooking.
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil: Complements oregano with subtle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the crust crisp and adds a fruity richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: That classic stretchy cheese everyone loves on pizza.
How to Make White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, make sure to let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it relax, making it much easier to stretch without snapping back. If you’re making your own, just have it ready to roll out on a floured surface.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
Get your oven nice and hot by preheating it to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). A hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust that’s tender inside.
Step 3: Roll and Shape Dough
Lightly flour your countertop so your dough doesn’t stick. Gently roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough onto a rimmed baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal if you’re using it—this will add a great texture to the bottom crust. Curl the edges slightly to form a thicker crust that will hold all your delicious toppings.
Step 4: Make Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful, creamy topping mixture. This blend is the heart of the White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe.
Step 5: Oil and Garlic Layer
Brush olive oil evenly over your prepared dough. Then sprinkle the finely minced garlic across the surface. This step infuses the crust itself with a subtle garlicky aroma that perfectly complements the cheeses.
Step 6: Add Cheeses
Dollop the ricotta mixture over the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving just a bit of a border. Then scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. This combination of cheeses offers a creamy layer with a golden, bubbly finish after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and started to bubble. The aroma during this step will seriously make your kitchen smell like an Italian pizzeria.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your pizza cool just enough to slice without losing that gooey cheese, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade comfort that’s cheesy, creamy, and altogether divine.
How to Serve White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are perfect for garnishing your white pizza, adding a pop of vibrant green and freshness to each slice. If you love a little heat, sprinkle some cracked red pepper flakes just before serving for an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This white pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for balance, or serve alongside roasted vegetables that highlight the creamy cheese contrast. A simple bowl of sautéed garlic spinach is also an excellent side to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the pizza into smaller appetizer-sized pieces for parties or special occasions. Arrange slices on a large platter with assorted olives and charcuterie for an inviting, shareable spread. You can also drizzle a bit of truffle oil after baking to elevate the flavors to a gourmet level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay tasty for up to 3 days and are perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe freezes well! Freeze whole unbaked pizzas or fully baked slices separately in airtight freezer bags. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. This will revive the crispy crust and molten cheese without drying it out—microwaving is less ideal but fine if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella will give this white pizza a lovely, creamy texture, but be sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy crust. Tear it into small pieces and distribute evenly before baking.
Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and ricotta cheese?
While ricotta adds creaminess, Parmesan brings a sharper, saltier flavor that rounds out the cheese blend beautifully. Using both creates a balanced depth, but you can adjust according to your taste.
Can I add toppings like spinach or mushrooms?
Definitely! White pizzas are a great canvas for veggies like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even artichokes. Just be mindful not to overload so the crust bakes evenly.
How thick should I roll the pizza dough?
About 12 inches in diameter and roughly a quarter-inch thick works great. This thickness allows the crust to crisp up nicely while staying tender inside with enough structure to hold toppings.
What’s the best way to prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Using olive oil brushed on the dough and incorporating cornmeal on the baking sheet both help keep the bottom crust crispy. Also, spreading the ricotta mixture evenly and not too thickly avoids excess moisture pooling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe that makes it a standout in any pizza lineup. Its creamy, cheesy blend combined with herbs and crispy crust creates comfort food that feels both wholesome and indulgent. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite pizza!
Print
White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy White Pizza recipe featuring a creamy ricotta and garlic topping with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for a quick homemade pizza night, this recipe blends fresh herbs and cheeses for a flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based pizzas.
Ingredients
Dough & Crust
- 1 pizza dough (12–16 ounces, store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup cornmeal (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, for rolling dough
Cheese & Seasonings
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: If using store-bought dough, remove it from the packaging and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to stretch and handle.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using cornmeal, sprinkle it evenly on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking and add crunch to your crust.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough carefully to the prepared baking sheet. Curl the edges slightly to create a thicker crust border.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir together until well blended.
- Oil and Garlic: Using a brush, evenly coat the surface of the rolled-out dough with olive oil. Then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the oiled dough surface to infuse flavor.
- Add Ricotta and Mozzarella: Dollop spoonfuls of the prepared ricotta mixture on the dough and spread it consistently across the surface. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the ricotta layer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with the prepared pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness. Add cracked red pepper flakes at the table if desired for a spicy kick.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to come to room temperature before rolling helps prevent tearing.
- Cornmeal on the baking sheet adds a nice texture and helps with easy removal.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if available; use about three times the amount.
- For extra garlic flavor, you can add a garlic-infused olive oil brush instead of plain olive oil.
- This pizza is best served fresh but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for a crispy crust.
