White Pizza

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Pizza Dough

   • In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and 1 tsp of salt.
   • Add the warm water and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix with a spoon or the dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes (or in the mixer for 5-7 minutes) until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. 2

   Preheat Oven and Make White Sauce

   • Place a pizza stone or a heavy, inverted baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 45 minutes.
   • While the oven preheats, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp of olive oil, the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
   • Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. 3

   Shape and Assemble the Pizza

   • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface.
   • Carefully stretch the dough by hand into a 12-inch circle, being careful not to tear it. Place the stretched dough on a piece of parchment paper.
   • Spread the creamy ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
   • Brush the exposed crust with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil.
4. 4

   Bake the Pizza

   • Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has some lightly browned spots.
5. 5

   Garnish and Serve

   • Using a pizza peel or tongs, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set, making it easier to slice.
   • Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately.