If you are craving a pizza experience that feels both luxurious and comforting, this Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe might just become your new favorite. Imagine a perfectly golden crust layered with a luscious ricotta mixture, fragrant herbs, and a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese that melts into every bite. This white pizza skips the traditional tomato sauce in favor of creamy cheese goodness that’s rich, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy enough to make any night but impressive enough to share for a cozy gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pizza lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in creating layers of flavor and different textures. From the creamy ricotta to the fragrant garlic and herbs, every component adds its own magic to the final dish.
- Pizza dough (12-16 ounces): Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the foundation for your pizza’s perfect crust.
- Cornmeal (¼ cup, optional): Sprinkled on the baking sheet, it helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the base.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Essential for rolling out the dough smoothly without tearing.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (½ cup): Brings the creamy richness that defines the nature of this white pizza.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a salty, nutty depth to the ricotta mixture.
- Garlic, finely minced (2 cloves): Infuses aromatic flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Offers a classic Mediterranean herbal note that complements the cheeses beautifully.
- Dried basil (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and earthiness to the flavor profile.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds the tiniest bit of warmth and balance.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brushed over the dough for a rich, golden crust and a hint of fruity flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The melty, stringy cheese that keeps everyone coming back for more.
How to Make Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by letting your pizza dough come to room temperature if you’re using a store-bought one. This makes it more pliable and easier to shape, helping you get that ideal stretch without resistance. If you’re rolling dough from scratch, make sure it’s well-rested and soft before moving on.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius), which is perfect for getting a crispy crust with a nicely cooked cheese topping. If you’ve opted to use cornmeal, sprinkle it on a rimmed baking sheet to prepare your pizza landing spot. This little trick helps avoid sticking and gives the base a delightful texture.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, then gently roll or stretch the dough into roughly a 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to your prepared baking sheet. Take a moment to curl the edges slightly — this forms a thicker crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven and holds the toppings well.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix this together until it’s smooth and fragrant — this mixture is the creamy heart of your pizza that will sing out in every bite.
Step 5: Oil and Season the Base
Brush the entire surface of your dough generously with olive oil, which ensures a golden, slightly crisp crust and infuses a subtle fruity note. Then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top, adding a burst of fresh flavor that’ll elevate the pizza beautifully.
Step 6: Add Ricotta Mixture and Mozzarella
Dollop the ricotta mixture onto the dough and spread it out evenly, creating a creamy layer ready to meet your mozzarella. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the ricotta, promising that irresistible mozzarella pull once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until you see the crust turn golden brown and the cheese bubbling lightly. The result is a tender crust with a creamy, cheesy topping that’s totally mouthwatering.
How to Serve Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
After you’ve pulled this beauty from the oven, some fresh basil or parsley leaves sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of green and fresh herbal aroma. If you like a little kick, cracked red pepper flakes at the table offer a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese flavors.
Side Dishes
This white pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple salad like arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a light roasted vegetable medley. The freshness balances the richness of the pizza and rounds out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing your pizza into smaller pieces and serving as finger food for a party or casual get-together. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze over the top for an elegant touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe), place slices of pizza in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the pieces flat to avoid soggy crusts and help preserve that delightful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze your white pizza by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze up to two months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the creamy consistency intact.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 7 to 10 minutes. This will crisp up the crust and warm the cheese without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the ricotta and mozzarella create the classic creamy texture, adding or substituting cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese can add exciting flavors and richness.
Is it necessary to use dried herbs or can I use fresh?
Both work wonderfully. Dried herbs infuse a slightly concentrated flavor that melds well during baking, but fresh herbs can be sprinkled on after baking for a bright, aromatic finish.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free pizza dough substitute will work perfectly. Just make sure to check the cooking time as some gluten-free crusts may bake faster or require a different temperature.
How can I make the crust crispier?
Try pre-baking the rolled-out dough for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the toppings. This helps the crust set and prevents sogginess, giving you a satisfying crunch with every bite.
What can I do if I don’t have cornmeal?
Cornmeal is optional but helpful for texture and preventing sticking. If you don’t have it, you can use extra flour or a pizza stone instead. Just be sure to lightly dust your baking surface to avoid sticking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe is such a rewarding kitchen adventure—it’s simple, flavorful, and utterly comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or your go-to for entertaining, this pizza delivers every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your most requested recipes!
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Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful White Pizza recipe featuring a creamy ricotta and mozzarella topping blended with garlic, oregano, and basil on a crispy golden crust. This simple yet flavorful pizza is perfect for a quick homemade meal, offering an Italian-inspired vegetarian option that can be enjoyed any time.
Ingredients
Dough and Base
- 1 pizza dough (12–16 ounces, store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup cornmeal (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, for rolling dough
Cheese and Toppings
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: If using store-bought dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes rolling easier and improves texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly sprinkle cornmeal on a rimmed baking sheet if used; this prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and curl the edges slightly to create a thicker crust border.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Oil and Garlic: Brush the olive oil evenly over the surface of the dough. Then sprinkle additional minced garlic on top for a fragrant base.
- Add Ricotta and Mozzarella: Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly across the dough and spread gently to cover. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top to add creamy, melty goodness.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and fresh notes. Serve with cracked red pepper flakes at the table for an extra kick if desired.
Notes
- Letting the dough come to room temperature helps prevent shrinking and tearing when rolling.
- Cornmeal is optional but provides a nice texture and prevents sticking on the baking sheet.
- This pizza can be customized by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pizza towards the end of baking to avoid burning the crust or cheese.
