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
Scale
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.
