If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make pizza that truly impresses, look no further than The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe. This pizza brings together a luscious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses atop a perfectly golden crust, all kissed with fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. Every bite bursts with creamy, savory flavors balanced by the freshness of basil and a subtle kick from optional red pepper flakes. Whether you’re making pizza night special or craving something cheesy and satisfying, this white cheese pizza is a sure-fire winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe is wonderfully simple thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the chewy crust to the creamy cheeses and vibrant basil, every component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or aroma that takes this pizza beyond ordinary.
- Pizza dough: The foundation that delivers a crispy yet tender crust—homemade or store-bought works perfectly.
- Olive oil: Infuses the crust with richness and helps the garlic flavor to shine.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a punch of savory aroma that makes the pizza irresistible.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to form that classic gooey, stretchy layer you crave on every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, fluffy texture with mild tanginess, giving the pizza extra depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that complements the other cheeses beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves: Tossed on right after baking to provide a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat to gently awaken the palate.
How to Make The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside now to get it thoroughly hot. This step ensures your crust cooks evenly and achieves that coveted golden crunch.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a round about 12 inches across. This size offers a nice balance between thickness and crispiness, creating the perfect base for all those luscious toppings.
Step 3: Infuse Olive Oil with Garlic
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and minced garlic, then let the mixture sit for about five minutes. This resting time lets the garlic flavors permeate the oil so every brushstroke carries that heavenly aroma.
Step 4: Brush the Dough with Garlic Oil
Generously coat your rolled-out dough with the garlic olive oil, spreading it edge to edge. This layer not only flavors the crust but also helps the cheese adhere beautifully.
Step 5: Layer on the Cheese
Evenly sprinkle mozzarella over the entire surface of the pizza for that stretchy, melty goodness. Then, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese around the pizza to add creamy bursts amidst the mozzarella.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan and Extras
Finish the cheese toppings by grating parmesan on top, which brings a savory sharpness. If you want to experiment, provolone or fontina make excellent additions here for complexity.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Place your pizza either on the preheated stone or a baking sheet, and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbly crust and cheese speckled with deliciously browned spots that signal it’s ready.
Step 8: Garnish and Rest
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Add optional red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes so the cheese sets slightly before slicing and serving.
How to Serve The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds vibrant color and an aromatic herbaceous note, but don’t be shy to try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a scatter of red pepper flakes for a little zing. These small touches really elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness of the cheeses. A light side of roasted vegetables can also complement the flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your white cheese pizza on a wooden paddle or stone board to give it that rustic, homemade vibe. Cut it into irregular slices for a casual party feel, or pre-slice for a neat and elegant snack platter. Garnishing with additional basil leaves around the plate adds a fresh finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it ideal for quick lunches or snacks that still taste delightful.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pizza longer, freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It’s best to freeze slices individually for easy thawing. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight for even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your white cheese pizza in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F until the crust is crispy and the cheese is warmed through—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that perfect crust and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough for The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pizza dough yields the best texture, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even store-bought flatbreads to suit your dietary needs without compromising flavor.
Is it necessary to use all three cheeses in this pizza?
The blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan creates a balance of meltiness, creaminess, and sharpness that defines this recipe. But feel free to experiment by adding provolone, fontina, or skipping one cheese based on your taste preferences.
How can I make this pizza spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes as a garnish is the easiest way to add heat. You could also incorporate a drizzle of spicy honey or layer on thin slices of jalapeño before baking for a fiery twist.
Can I prepare this pizza in advance?
You can roll out the dough and prepare the garlic oil a few hours before baking. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the pizza fresh to keep the crust crisp and cheeses at their peak.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! A baking sheet turned upside down can mimic a pizza stone’s flat surface, providing good heat distribution. Just preheat your oven and baking surface well before placing your pizza on it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and elegant about The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe that makes it a favorite in any kitchen. Its creamy layers of cheese, savory garlic notes, and fresh basil come together effortlessly to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, roll out that dough, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience pizza perfection like never before!
Print
The Best White Cheese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (1 12-inch pizza)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best White Cheese Pizza features a golden, garlicky crust topped with a luscious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses. Finished with fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes, it’s a simple yet indulgent homemade pizza perfect for any cheese lover craving a flavorful, cheesy delight.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
For the Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone in the oven if you have one to help achieve a crispy crust.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round shape.
- Prepare garlic oil: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with minced garlic and let it sit for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Brush dough with garlic oil: Generously brush the infused garlic oil all over the pizza dough, covering edge to edge.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the surface of the dough.
- Add ricotta cheese: Place dollops of ricotta cheese distributed across the pizza.
- Top with parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly on top. Optionally, add other cheeses like provolone or fontina if desired.
- Bake the pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are bubbly with browned spots.
- Add final toppings: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with freshly chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Rest and serve: Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, use a pizza stone or preheat a baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it.
- Feel free to add other white cheeses like provolone or fontina for extra complexity.
- You can prepare the garlic oil ahead of time to save on prep.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder pizza.
- Make sure to let the pizza rest briefly before slicing to avoid cheese sliding off.
