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How I Discovered the Magic of Homemade White Pizza (And You Can Too!)

White Pizza, or "Pizza Bianca," skips the traditional tomato sauce and instead features a rich and creamy base of garlic-infused olive oil or ricotta. Topped with a blend of cheeses and optional herbs or veggies, it’s elegant, simple, and absolutely delicious.
White Pizza, or "Pizza Bianca," skips the traditional tomato sauce and instead features a rich and creamy base of garlic-infused olive oil or ricotta. Topped with a blend of cheeses and optional herbs or veggies, it’s elegant, simple, and absolutely delicious.

Hey there! Let me tell you about the first time I tried white pizza. My friend Lisa brought it to our book club, and I’ll admit—I side-eyed that sauceless pie. Where’s the tomato? One bite later, I was hooked. Creamy cheeses, caramelized garlic, and that crispy crust? Game changer. Today, I’m sharing my foolproof recipe and all the tricks I’ve learned since that fateful night. Whether you’re avoiding tomatoes, feeding picky eaters, or just craving something new, this white pizza will become your new best friend.

Why I Make White Pizza Instead of Ordering

I used to think white pizza was just “cheese bread in disguise.” Then I realized:

  1. Takeout versions are pricey ($25 for a small pie? No thanks!).
  2. They’re often bland (I’ve had ones that taste like cardboard with glue).
  3. Homemade lets me play (my kids call it “fancy cheese art”).

Now, it’s my go-to for date nights, playdates, and those days when I need comfort food without the guilt.

My Never-Fail White Pizza Recipe

This recipe works with store-bought dough, cauliflower crust, or even pita bread. I’ve tested it on my carb-phobic sister and my cheese-obsessed toddler. Everyone wins!

Ingredients

(Makes one 12” pizza)

  • Dough: 1 lb store-bought pizza dough (or homemade).
  • Sauce: ½ cup ricotta, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
  • Toppings: 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup baby spinach, ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Step-by-Step

  1. Prep the Dough:
    • Let dough sit at room temp for 30 minutes (no one likes tough crust!).
    • Stretch to fit a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
  2. Make the “Sauce”:
    • Mix ricotta, olive oil, garlic, and seasoning. Taste—add salt if needed.
  3. Assemble & Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 475°F.
    • Spread ricotta mix over dough.
    • Layer mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and tomatoes.
    • Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden.

Pro Tip: Brush crust edges with garlic butter post-bake for extra flavor!

5 White Pizza Twists I Love

  1. Chicken Garlic: Add rotisserie chicken and roasted garlic cloves.
  2. Breakfast Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs and bacon bits.
  3. Mediterranean: Swap ricotta for feta, add olives and artichokes.
  4. Keto-Friendly: Use fathead dough and load up on bacon + avocado.
  5. Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with hot honey and add prosciutto.

How I Make It Kid-Friendly

My 5-year-old once declared spinach “too green.” Here’s how I sneak in veggies:

  • Blend greens: Mix spinach into the ricotta until smooth.
  • Cookie cutter cheese: Use star-shaped cutters on mozzarella slices.
  • DIY toppings: Let kids build their own mini pizzas on naan bread.

Why Homemade Crushes Takeout

Store-bought white pizza often skimps on cheese and overdoes the salt. At home, I control:

  • Freshness: Real garlic > powdered.
  • Health: Low-fat cheeses or vegan swaps work great.
  • Cost: 8homemadevs.8homemadevs.30+ delivery.

My Freezer Hack for Crazy Weeks

I double the dough and:

  1. Prep two pizzas—bake one, freeze one unbaked.
  2. Wrap frozen pizza in foil. Stores 3 months.
  3. Thaw overnight, add toppings, bake!

Pairing Ideas for Pizza Night

  • Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
  • Salad: Pear and walnut salad with balsamic.
  • Dessert: Lemon sorbet or dark chocolate squares.

Fix Common White Pizza Fails

My first attempt was a soggy, garlicky mess. Here’s how I fixed it:

  • Soggy crust? Pre-bake dough 5 minutes before saucing.
  • Burnt cheese? Cover with foil last 5 minutes.
  • Bland flavor? Add lemon zest to ricotta.

White Pizza Isn’t Just Dinner!

I’ve served this as:

  • Brunch: Top with fried eggs and chives.
  • Appetizers: Cut into squares for parties.
  • Lunchboxes: Pack cold slices—they’re delicious!

Final Thoughts

White pizza is more than a meal—it’s a blank canvas. It’s messy fingers, laughter over “who stole the last slice,” and the pride of creating something beautiful from simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking solo or wrangling little helpers, this recipe adapts to your life.

So next time you’re stuck in a dinner rut, grab that cheese and dough. Your taste buds (and maybe even your kids!) will thank you.

Your Turn!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 1
Calories: 270
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

White Pizza, or "Pizza Bianca," skips the traditional tomato sauce and instead features a rich and creamy base of garlic-infused olive oil or ricotta. Topped with a blend of cheeses and optional herbs or veggies, it’s elegant, simple, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients
    For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
  • 1 tsp salt 🧂
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C) 💧
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
    • For the Toppings:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano 🌿
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
  • Optional toppings: spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions 🍄
Instructions
    Prepare the Dough
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, mix yeast and sugar with warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. 3
    Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 4
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
    5. Preheat the Oven
  5. 5
    Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
    6. Prepare the Garlic Oil
  6. 6
    In a small pan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    7. Shape the Dough
  7. 7
    Roll out the dough into a thin circle (12-14 inches) on a floured surface. Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper.
    8. Assemble the Pizza
  8. 8
    Brush the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the dough.
  9. 9
    Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the base.
  10. 10
    Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the ricotta.
  11. 11
    Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes for seasoning.
  12. 12
    Add any optional toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
    13. Bake the Pizza
  13. 13
    Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
    14. Cool and Serve
  14. 14
    Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Note

For a creamier texture, drizzle a bit of heavy cream over the ricotta before adding other cheeses. Pair with a light salad for a complete meal. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Read it online: https://tastyleap.com/recipe/how-i-discovered-the-magic-of-homemade-white-pizza-and-you-can-too/
Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.