White Pizza
A creamy, garlicky white pizza with a crisp, golden crust and no tomato sauce in sight. A rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan melts into a bubbly, savory blanket over a perfectly baked base. This Italian-American classic is a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Activate the yeast.
1.Combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently.2.Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly on top. - knead · ~8 min
Make the dough.
1.Place flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center.2.Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil.3.Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a floured surface.4.Knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky.TIPIf the dough is too sticky, dust with flour a tablespoon at a time. It should feel soft and spring back when poked. - rest · ~60 min
Let the dough rise.
1.Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.2.Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.3.Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. - saute · ~2 min
Prepare the garlic oil base.
1.Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat.2.Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just barely golden. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.TIPDo not let the garlic brown — it will turn bitter. Low and slow is the key. - prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and shape the dough.
1.Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.2.Punch down the risen dough and place it on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper.3.Use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a 12-inch round, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.TIPLet the dough rest for 5 minutes if it keeps springing back. Relaxed dough is easier to shape. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the pizza.
1.Brush the entire surface of the dough with the garlic-infused oil, reaching all the way to the edges.2.Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the oiled dough.3.Scatter the shredded mozzarella over the top, ensuring even coverage.4.Sprinkle grated parmesan and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper over everything. - bake · ~12 min
Bake the pizza.
1.Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet in the oven.2.Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown in spots.3.Check the bottom of the crust — it should be crisp and browned.TIPSlide the parchment out from under the pizza after 4 minutes for an even crispier bottom crust. - garnish · ~2 min
Garnish and serve.
1.Remove the pizza from the oven. Scatter fresh basil ribbons over the hot, bubbling cheese.2.Let cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired.TIPA wire rack keeps the crust from steaming and softening on the bottom.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Let your oven preheat at 500°F for a full 30 minutes to mimic a pizza-oven blast.
- 2If the dough springs back when stretching, let it rest 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
- 3Pull the parchment paper out from under the pizza after 4 minutes of baking for a crispier bottom crust.
- 4Cool the baked pizza on a wire rack for 2 minutes to prevent the bottom from steaming and getting soggy.
- 5Cook the garlic in oil over low heat just until fragrant — browned garlic turns bitter and ruins the creamy flavor.
- 6Use whole-milk ricotta for the richest, creamiest texture; low-fat versions can turn watery when baked.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum. The crust will be slightly less chewy but still crisp and satisfying. Ideal for those with gluten sensitivity.
extra herbyExtra-herby
Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme to the garlic oil before brushing. This adds an aromatic, earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses.
spicy ricottaSpicy-ricotta
Mix 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and the zest of half a lemon into the ricotta before spreading. The heat and citrus cut through the richness for a brighter, more complex flavor.
mushroom truffleMushroom-truffle
Sauté 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms in olive oil until golden, then scatter them over the mozzarella before baking. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil when serving for an earthy, luxurious upgrade.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Calcium for Bones
The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan provides a generous helping of calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
Protein-Packed Meal
Each serving delivers a solid amount of protein from the three cheeses, helping keep you full and supporting muscle repair.
Garlic's Immune Support
Minced garlic in the base provides allicin, a sulfur compound linked to immune-boosting properties and heart health.
Heart-Healthy Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 500°F for at least 30 minutes and use a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Also, pull the parchment out from under the pizza after 4 minutes so the crust bakes directly on the hot surface.
