Learn how to make white pizza from scratch with our step-by-step guide. This creamy and delicious twist on a classic favorite is sure to please any pizza lover!
Pizza is a beloved food worldwide, with countless variations depending on local taste preferences and cultural traditions. One popular variation is white pizza, which substitutes the traditional tomato-based sauce with a creamy white sauce made from ricotta, mozzarella, or other cheeses. White pizza is perfect for those who want to mix up their pizza game and try something new.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make white pizza from scratch, step-by-step. From making the dough and sauce to assembling and baking the pizza, we’ll provide all the information you need to create a delicious white pizza at home. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make white pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the White Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Note: These toppings are just suggestions. Feel free to use your favorite toppings, or whatever you have on hand.
Making the Dough
The first step in making white pizza is to prepare the dough. Here’s how to do it:
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In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
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Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until the dough comes together and becomes smooth.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Making the White Sauce
The white sauce is what sets white pizza apart from traditional pizza. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Here’s how to make it:
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In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Tip: For a richer sauce, use a blend of different cheeses, such as fontina, Gouda, or provolone. You can also add herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Assembling the Pizza
Now that you have your dough and sauce ready, it’s time to assemble the pizza. Here’s how to do it:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Place the dough on a pizza peel or a lightly floured surface.
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Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
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Add your desired toppings to the pizza. For this recipe, we suggest sliced mushrooms, black olives, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley.
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Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tip: For a crispy crust, preheat your oven to the highest setting and bake the pizza for a shorter amount of time, around 8-10 minutes.
Assembling the Pizza
Now that your dough and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your white pizza. Follow these steps:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F.
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
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Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
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Add your desired toppings, distributing them evenly over the pizza.
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Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Baking and Serving
The final step in making white pizza is baking and serving it. Here are some tips to make sure your pizza turns out perfectly:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature will help the crust get crispy and golden brown.
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Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza to make sure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
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Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the cheese set and make it easier to cut.
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Serve the pizza hot and fresh. White pizza is best enjoyed immediately after baking, so try to serve it right away.
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Pair the pizza with a refreshing beverage. White pizza goes well with a variety of drinks, such as white wine, beer, or a fruit-based soda.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a delicious white pizza that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your chef hat, and get ready to make the perfect white pizza!