Zesty Herbed White Pizza with Mozzarella and Ricotta Recipe

Sizzling aromas of garlicky white pizza with mozzarella and ricotta waft through the kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that tingles every taste bud.

Crisp, golden crust awaits beneath a creamy blanket of melted cheeses and fragrant garlic.

Each slice tells a story of rustic Italian flavors and comfort.

Herbs dance across the surface, adding depth and character to this irresistible dish.

Homemade pizzas beat takeout any day, especially when you can craft something this delectable.

The magic lies in simple, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony.

Slice into this pizza and savor a moment of pure, cheesy bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 395 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Garlicky White Pizza

• Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy base that forms the heart of the pizza, choose fresh dough with good elasticity and room temperature for easy handling.

• Fresh Mozzarella, Whole-Milk Ricotta, Pecorino Romano: Creamy cheese trio that creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, select high-quality, fresh cheeses with smooth consistency.

• Garlic, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Oregano: Aromatic ingredients that elevate the pizza's taste profile, choose fresh garlic and vibrant herbs for maximum flavor intensity, select high-quality olive oil for smooth, rich undertones.

Pizza Prep Essentials

• Pizza Peel: Essential wooden or metal tool for sliding pizza into and out of the oven, especially for pizza oven method.
• Pizza Stone or Upside-down Baking Sheet: Creates a hot surface for crispy pizza crust in regular oven.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing and serving the finished pizza.
• Small Bowls: Needed for mixing ricotta, garlic oil, and preparing ingredients.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat dry fresh mozzarella and remove excess moisture.
• Grater: For grating Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Knife: To finely chop garlic and slice mozzarella.
• Parchment Paper: Helps transfer pizza in regular oven method.

How to Build Garlicky White Pizza with Mozzarella and Ricotta

• Dough Preparation

Let pizza dough sit at room temperature until soft and pliable. The dough should stretch easily without resistance.

• Cheese Preparation

Pat fresh mozzarella dry and slice thinly. Mix ricotta with grated Pecorino Romano in a small bowl, creating a creamy cheese blend.

• Garlic Infusion

Finely chop garlic and blend with olive oil, salt, and optional red pepper flakes to create a fragrant seasoning oil.

• Pizza Oven Method

Heat pizza oven to scorching hot temperature. Stretch dough on a floured pizza peel. Brush with garlic oil and sprinkle cheese mixture evenly. Slide into oven, rotating for even cooking. Bake until crust is charred and cheese melts, about 3 minutes.

• Regular Oven Alternative

Position baking sheet or pizza stone in middle rack. Preheat oven to medium-high heat. Stretch dough on parchment paper, brush with garlic oil, and add cheese. Bake until edges turn golden and cheese bubbles, roughly 10-12 minutes.

• Final Touch

Remove pizza from oven and scatter fresh oregano leaves on top. Add extra red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Ingredient Variations for White Pizza Lovers

• Let store-bought pizza dough rest at room temperature for easier stretching and to prevent tough, dense crust.
• Pat fresh mozzarella dry to prevent excess water from making the pizza soggy and ensure a crispy base.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to create unique taste profiles beyond oregano.
• Add cooked chicken, prosciutto, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and depth of flavor without overwhelming the delicate white sauce.
• Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, artichokes, or mushrooms before topping to introduce extra texture and nutritional value to the pizza.

Presenting a Rustic White Pizza

• Appetizer Companion: Pair this garlicky white pizza with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a dry Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy cheeses and cut through the garlic's intensity.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil mixed with balsamic reduction for an elegant side that enhances the pizza's Mediterranean vibe.
• Fresh Finishing Touch: Sprinkle some fresh basil or additional oregano leaves right before serving to add a bright, herbal note that elevates the overall taste experience.

White Pizza Cooling and Storage Tips

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container, stacking with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat in oven for crispy results.
• Dough Management: Keep unused pizza dough in sealed container or wrapped in plastic. Refrigerate for 24 hours or freeze for 2 weeks. Allow room temperature resting for 1-2 hours before stretching to ensure perfect elasticity.
• Cheese Care: Store fresh mozzarella and ricotta in original packaging or sealed container. Use within 5-7 days after opening. Always pat cheese dry before using to reduce excess moisture during cooking.

Gourmet White Pizza with Mozzarella and Ricotta

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade garlicky white pizza with mozzarella and ricotta delivers classic Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Crisp crust, creamy cheeses, and aromatic garlic create a simple yet luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 recipe pizza dough, or 1 to 1 ¼ lbs (0.45 to 0.57 kg) store-bought pizza dough
• 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml / 8 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 oz (28 g) Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic
• 3 small sprigs fresh oregano
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
• all-purpose flour, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Allow pizza dough to warm to room temperature for effortless stretching and optimal texture.
2. Cheese Preparation: Thoroughly drain mozzarella and slice thinly. Blend ricotta with Pecorino Romano, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
3. Garlic Infusion: Finely chop garlic and combine with olive oil, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes to create an aromatic base. Reserve oregano leaves for final garnish.
4. Oven Calibration: For pizza oven, heat to maximum temperature. For standard oven, position baking stone or inverted sheet on middle rack and preheat to 450ºF.
5. Dough Transformation: Stretch dough on floured pizza peel or parchment paper into an 11-12 inch circular shape. Generously brush with garlic-infused oil.
6. Cheese Arrangement: Distribute mozzarella slices evenly across surface. Strategically place dollops of ricotta mixture, creating rustic cheese landscape.
7. Cooking Technique: In pizza oven, bake 2-3 minutes, rotating for even charring. In standard oven, bake 10-12 minutes until edges golden and cheese melts completely.
8. Finishing Touch: Remove pizza, transfer to cutting board. Sprinkle fresh oregano leaves and optional red pepper flakes for added zest and visual appeal.

Notes

• Dough Temperature Trick: Let cold pizza dough rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure easy, smooth stretching without tearing.
• Moisture Management: Pat fresh mozzarella completely dry with paper towels to prevent soggy pizza and achieve perfect crispy crust.
• Garlic Oil Pro Tip: Infuse olive oil with freshly chopped garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes at least 15 minutes before using to develop deeper, more complex flavor.
• Baking Surface Secret: Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone for 30 minutes before cooking to create a crisp, restaurant-style bottom crust with beautiful golden edges.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 305 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg