White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)

Homemade white pizza recipe with a crispy crust, melted mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. This classic Italian pizza is flavored with garlic, fresh herbs, and Pecorino Romano, with the option to add fresh, lemony arugula. Perfect for family meals, quick dinners, or authentic Italian dishes.

Ingredients

Pizza Base:

• Dough for one large pizza
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Topping:

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced very thinly
• ⅓ cup ricotta cheese (76 g)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (33 g)

Optional Arugula Topping:

• 2 cups baby arugula (40 g)
• Lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Prebake the Dough

Stretch the pizza dough to your desired size. Prebake in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Garlic Oil

Brush the prebaked crust with a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic.

3. Add the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, combine ricotta, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Spread evenly across the pizza. Layer thin slices of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle half of the Pecorino Romano on top.

4. Bake the Pizza

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining Pecorino and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Optional Arugula Topping

Just before serving, toss arugula with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Top the pizza with the arugula for a fresh, bright finish.

Tips

• Prebaking the dough ensures a crisp crust that won’t get soggy under the cheese.
• Slice mozzarella very thin for even melting.
• For extra flavor, drizzle a little olive oil over the arugula topping.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ricotta with mascarpone for a creamier texture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic for more toppings.
• Use gluten-free pizza dough if needed.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
A: You can prep the dough and cheese mixture in advance, but bake just before serving for best results.

Q: Can I make this pizza without mozzarella?
A: Yes, use only ricotta and Pecorino Romano, or substitute with another melting cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a light meal.
• Cut into wedges and serve as an appetizer or main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This White Pizza is creamy, cheesy, and full of fresh herb flavors, with the optional arugula adding a bright, peppery finish. Quick to prepare and perfect for pizza night, it’s a fresh twist on classic Italian pizza that impresses without fuss.

White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• Pizza Base:

• Dough for one large pizza

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Cheese Topping:

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced very thinly

• ⅓ cup ricotta cheese (76 g)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (33 g)

• Optional Arugula Topping:

• 2 cups baby arugula (40 g)

• Lemon juice

• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

• Prebake the Dough
• Stretch the pizza dough to your desired size. Prebake in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 5 minutes.
• Prepare the Garlic Oil
• Brush the prebaked crust with a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic.
• Add the Cheese Mixture
• In a small bowl, combine ricotta, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Spread evenly across the pizza. Layer thin slices of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle half of the Pecorino Romano on top.
• Bake the Pizza
• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining Pecorino and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes.
• Optional Arugula Topping
• Just before serving, toss arugula with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Top the pizza with the arugula for a fresh, bright finish.