White pizza is a delicious alternative to the traditional pizza with red sauce, offering a lighter, creamier flavor profile. Instead of using tomato-based sauces, white pizza relies on cheese, cream, or olive oil as its base. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that highlights the fresh ingredients and can be customized with a wide range of toppings.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making white pizza at home. From choosing the right dough to selecting the perfect toppings, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a white pizza that rivals any pizzeria.
See Also: What is St. Louis Pizza?
What is White Pizza?
White pizza, also known as pizza bianca, is a style of pizza that forgoes the traditional red tomato sauce. Instead, it uses a white base, typically made from ingredients like olive oil, ricotta cheese, Alfredo sauce, or béchamel sauce. This base allows the flavors of the toppings and cheese to shine through more distinctly, creating a unique and creamy pizza experience.
While traditional pizza toppings like pepperoni or sausage can be used on white pizza, more subtle ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, and garlic often complement the lighter, creamier flavor of the white base.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
Before diving into the pizza-making process, it’s essential to have all the ingredients and tools ready. Having everything prepared will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Tools You Will Need
Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: A pizza stone helps to achieve a crispy, evenly cooked crust. However, if you don’t have one, a baking sheet will work just fine.
Rolling Pin: To shape the dough evenly and ensure a uniform thickness.
Pizza Peel (Optional): This tool is useful for transferring the pizza to and from the oven.
Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For slicing the pizza into serving portions once it’s finished baking.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing and mixing toppings.
Grater: For grating cheese if you prefer using blocks of cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
Ingredients for White Pizza
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought premade dough or make your own at home. If you prefer to make your dough, basic ingredients include flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil.
Olive Oil: This is a key ingredient in the base for many white pizzas and is often brushed over the dough to give it flavor and moisture.
Cheese: A combination of cheeses typically gives the best flavor. Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and provolone are all excellent choices for white pizza.
Garlic: Garlic adds a burst of flavor to the pizza and is often used in the base or as a topping.
Fresh Herbs: Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can be sprinkled over the pizza for extra flavor.
Toppings: Choose toppings that complement the rich, creamy flavor of white pizza. Common toppings include spinach, mushrooms, artichokes, caramelized onions, prosciutto, and roasted garlic.
White Sauce (Optional): While olive oil alone can be used as the base, you can also make or use a white sauce, such as béchamel or Alfredo, for a creamier texture.
Making the Dough
If you’re making the dough from scratch, this is the first step in your white pizza preparation. Here is a simple dough recipe to get started:
Ingredients for Pizza Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare for Baking: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into portions. You can make one large pizza or several smaller ones, depending on your preference.
Making the White Pizza Base
White pizza can have several different types of bases, depending on the style and flavor you want. Below are three common bases you can use for white pizza:
Olive Oil and Garlic Base
This is the simplest and most classic white pizza base. The olive oil adds richness, while the garlic brings a burst of flavor. To make this base:
Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of olive oil with 2–3 minced garlic cloves. You can also add a pinch of salt and some Italian seasoning if you like.
Brush the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough and place it on your baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the olive oil mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Ricotta Cheese Base
Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and depth to the pizza. You can combine it with other cheeses for a more complex flavor. To make this base:
Mix the Ricotta: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a bit of garlic for extra flavor.
Spread the Ricotta: Roll out your pizza dough and spread the ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving space for the crust.
Béchamel or Alfredo Sauce Base
For an even creamier white pizza, you can use a béchamel or Alfredo sauce. These sauces provide a luxurious texture and pair well with a variety of toppings. To make a béchamel sauce:
Ingredients: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 1/4 cups of milk, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Instructions: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
Spread the Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, spread it evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Adding the Cheese
One of the highlights of white pizza is the cheese, which plays a central role in the dish. Here are some cheese options and combinations that work well for white pizza:
Mozzarella: This is the classic pizza cheese. Its mild flavor and gooey texture make it a staple for white pizza. Use either fresh mozzarella or pre-shredded mozzarella, depending on your preference.
Ricotta: As mentioned earlier, ricotta can be used as the base or added in dollops on top of the pizza for a creamy, rich flavor.
Parmesan: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and works well when combined with other cheeses.
Provolone: Provolone has a slightly sharper flavor than mozzarella, and it melts beautifully.
Goat Cheese: Goat cheese can add tangy and creamy notes to white pizza, balancing the richness of other cheeses.
Selecting the Right Toppings
White pizza toppings can range from fresh vegetables to savory meats. Here are some classic topping ideas that pair well with the creamy base:
Vegetables
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a bright, earthy flavor. It wilts perfectly in the oven and complements the creamy cheese.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a great choice for white pizza. Sauté them in olive oil and garlic before adding them to the pizza to enhance their flavor.
Artichokes: Marinated artichokes bring a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to white pizza.
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth to the pizza. You can also use thinly sliced red onions for a more pungent flavor.
Roasted Garlic: Garlic lovers will enjoy the addition of roasted garlic cloves, which bring a mellow, slightly sweet flavor.
Meats
Prosciutto: Thin slices of prosciutto add a salty, savory flavor to white pizza. Add it just before or after baking for the best texture.
Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken pairs beautifully with white pizza, especially when combined with spinach or mushrooms.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty element to the pizza, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
Fresh Herbs
Finish your white pizza with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. These herbs add brightness and freshness to the final dish.
Baking the Pizza
Once your pizza is assembled, it’s time to bake it. Follow these steps for perfect results:
Preheat the Oven
Temperature: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure it gets hot.
Bake the Pizza
Baking Time: Bake the pizza for about 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Watch the Crust: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature slightly.
Serving the White Pizza
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier.
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizza into even portions. Serve your white pizza hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Customizing Your White Pizza
One of the best things about white pizza is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes or to create unique flavor combinations. Here are a few variations to try:
Buffalo Chicken White Pizza: Add grilled chicken and a drizzle of buffalo sauce to your white pizza for a spicy kick. Top with blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
Four Cheese White Pizza: Use a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and provolone for a rich, cheesy pizza.
Truffle White Pizza: Drizzle truffle oil over your pizza before serving to add a luxurious, earthy flavor. Pair with mushrooms for an extra indulgent pizza.
Vegetarian White Pizza: Load your pizza with fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, and artichokes for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Making white pizza at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Whether you prefer a simple olive oil and garlic base or a rich, creamy béchamel, white pizza offers endless possibilities for customization. Experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to create your perfect pizza. Enjoy!
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