Looking for a delicious and unique pizza recipe to add to your repertoire? Look no further than white pizza.
Often overlooked in favor of its more popular tomato-based cousin, white pizza offers a delightful twist on the classic dish. With its creamy base and flavorful toppings, this style of pizza is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
In this blog post, we will explore its history, discuss different variations and ingredients you can use, and walk you through a mouth-watering white pizza recipe that is easy to make at home.
Get ready to elevate your pizza game with our guide to making the perfect white pizza!
Background Knowledge Of White Pizza
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what makes white pizza so special. White pizza originated in Italy and is also known as “pizza bianca,” which translates to “white pizza.”
The earliest origins of this style of pizza can be traced back to ancient Rome where people would bake flatbreads with toppings such as cheese, herbs, and olive oil. In the 16th century, these flatbreads evolved into what we now know as modern-day pizza, with tomatoes becoming a popular topping.
However, in the region of Lazio in Italy, white pizza remained a staple dish made with only olive oil and cheese. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that other toppings, such as garlic, mushrooms, and spinach, were added to create a more flavorful white pizza.
Ingredients For White Pizza Recipe
With some basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can easily make your delicious white pizza at home. Here are some of the staple ingredients needed to get started:
1. Pizza Dough: Serves as the foundation of the pizza, providing a chewy and crispy base that supports all the toppings.
2. Olive Oil: Used to brush the dough before baking, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping to crisp the crust.
3. Garlic Cloves: Finely minced or sliced garlic lends a pungent, earthy flavor that infuses the pizza with depth and warmth.
4. Fresh Mozzarella: Offers a creamy, stretchy texture and mild taste that balances the stronger flavors of the other toppings.
5. Ricotta Cheese: Adds a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste, enriching the pizza with a layer of creaminess.
6. Kosher Salt: Enhances the pizza’s overall flavors, drawing out each component’s natural tastes.
7. Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Provides a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheeses.
8. Dried Oregano: Its aromatic, earthy flavor complements the cheesiness and adds a hint of classic Italian seasoning.
9. Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle, savory note that pairs well with the garlic and cheeses, contributing to the pizza’s aromatic profile.
10. Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Grated over the top, it introduces a salty, nutty flavor that finishes the pizza with an essential Italian touch.
Optional Arugula Topping:
1. Baby arugula greens: A handful of fresh and peppery greens can add a refreshing touch to the pizza, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
2. Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the arugula, adding a zesty, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
3. Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper seasons the arugula, enhancing the green’s peppery notes and balancing the pizza’s overall taste.
How To Make White Pizza?
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to make your own delicious White Pizza. Follow these simple steps for a mouth-watering experience:
Step 1: Preparing The Pizza Dough
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Take your pizza dough and gently stretch it out to your desired size on a lightly floured surface or pizza peel.
Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch for an even bake. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Prebake the dough in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This step helps to prevent the dough from becoming soggy once the toppings are added.
Step 2: Creating The Garlic Oil Base
While the dough is pre-baking, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the finely minced or sliced garlic cloves in a small bowl.
After removing the dough from the oven, brush this garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the surface of the crust, ensuring to cover the edges for a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Mixing The Ricotta Herb Spread
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Mix thoroughly to incorporate the herbs and seasoning into the cheese.
Spread this ricotta mixture in a thin, even layer over the garlic oil-brushed pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Step 4: Adding The Mozzarella and Pecorino Cheese
Slice the fresh mozzarella into thin pieces and distribute them evenly over the ricotta layer on the pizza dough.
Sprinkle half of the grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. This layering ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Baking The Pizza
Place the pizza back in the oven and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
Keep an eye on the pizza – the edges should be golden brown, and the cheeses melted and slightly bubbly.
Step 6: Adding The Final Touches
Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the remaining Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese over the top.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a light scattering of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice spicy kick.
Step 7: Garnishing With Arugula (Optional)
If using, toss the baby arugula leaves with a splash of lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This fresh, peppery salad adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the cheeses.
Evenly distribute the seasoned arugula over the hot pizza just before serving. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the leaves, making them easier to eat.
Step 8: Serving
Slice your white pizza into equal portions and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors of this classic Italian dish made right in your kitchen.
Tips To Perfectly Make White Pizza
To elevate your homemade white pizza recipe to gourmet levels, consider incorporating a few unique tips during its preparation.
First, for an extra aromatic base, lightly roast the garlic cloves in olive oil on the stove before brushing them onto the dough; this mellows their bite and enhances their sweetness.
When choosing your cheeses, opt for high-moisture, fresh mozzarella from a reputable cheesemonger and a full-fat, creamy ricotta to ensure a rich, indulgent texture.
Additionally, experimenting with infused olive oils – like those with truffle, basil, or chili – can add an unexpected layer of flavor to both the crust and the cheese.
For the crust, employing a pizza stone or steel preheated in the oven can mimic the fiery environment of a traditional pizza oven, giving you a blistered, airy edge that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
Finally, if you’re a fan of a subtle smoky flavor, a pinch of smoked sea salt over the finished pizza can work wonders. These thoughtful touches not only enhance the overall taste but also bring a personalized flair to your homemade white pizza.
What To Serve With White Pizza?
If you want to enjoy your white pizza as a standalone meal, here are a few ideas for complementary side dishes:
1. Simple Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly accompanies a rich white pizza. Opt for greens like arugula or mixed greens, and add some colorful cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for texture.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and add some charred vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to your plate. These smoky and tender veggies provide a delicious contrast to the creamy white pizza.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil is an iconic Italian appetizer that pairs well with white pizza. The burst of flavors from the bruschetta will complement the simplicity of the pizza.
4. Garlic Knots: For an indulgent and carb-heavy meal, why not make some homemade garlic knots? These buttery, garlicky bites are perfect for dipping in leftover pizza sauce or oil from the white pizza.
And don’t forget to pair it with a glass of red or white wine for the ultimate dining experience.
Conclusion
In short, making the perfect white pizza is all about balancing the creamy, savory flavors of the cheeses and herbs with a crispy crust.
With this simple white pizza recipe and tips, you can easily recreate this beloved Italian dish at home and maybe even add your personal touch to make it your signature pizza.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every cheesy bite of your homemade white pizza.
White Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 1 lb (about 455g), homemade or store-bought
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus extra for drizzling
- Garlic Cloves: 3-4 cloves, finely minced or sliced
- Fresh Mozzarella: 8 oz (about 225g), thinly sliced or shredded
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup (about 245g) for dolloping
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (about 50g), freshly grated, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F, and prebake the stretched pizza dough on a pizza stone or lined baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Garlic Oil Base: Mix olive oil and minced garlic, then brush onto the prebaked crust.
- Ricotta Herb Spread: Combine ricotta cheese with seasoning and herbs spread over the crust.
- Cheese Layering: Add slices of mozzarella, then sprinkle half the Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
- Baking: Bake the assembled pizza at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust golden.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle remaining cheese and optional red pepper flakes after baking.
- Arugula Garnish (Optional): If using, add seasoned arugula leaves to the hot pizza for a fresh contrast.
- Serving: Slice and serve the white pizza immediately to enjoy its creamy, savory goodness.