White Pizza Recipe: White pizza, or “pizza bianca,” is a delicious twist on the classic pie that skips the traditional tomato sauce. Instead, it focuses on rich, creamy white sauces, garlic, cheese, and a variety of herbs. It’s an Italian-American favorite that’s gaining popularity across pizzerias and kitchens everywhere. Unlike the classic red-sauce pizza, white pizza offers a more subtle, yet deeply flavorful taste experience. The rich textures from cheeses and creamy sauces give it an indulgent feel that’s hard to resist.
The base usually consists of a simple white sauce—often a garlic-infused béchamel or a ricotta cheese mix—layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions. Because it doesn’t use tomato sauce, the flavor profile is milder and creamy, with the opportunity to highlight fresh toppings without the acidity of tomatoes interfering.
How It Differs from Traditional Pizza
The most obvious difference? No tomato sauce. But the contrast runs deeper than that. Red pizza tends to be tangy, with a bold flavor thanks to tomatoes and sometimes spicy elements. White pizza, on the other hand, is about richness, creaminess, and garlic-forward flavor. It’s perfect for those who love cheese and want a more decadent experience.
Another big difference lies in the toppings. While red sauce pizzas often carry meats like pepperoni or sausage, white pizza shines with ingredients like ricotta, spinach, roasted garlic, and artichokes. And since there’s no tomato base, each ingredient’s individual flavor gets to stand out.
Ingredients Needed for White Pizza
Dough Ingredients
To make a truly satisfying white pizza, it starts with a perfect crust. You can buy pre-made dough, but making it at home really takes things to the next level. Here’s what you need:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
This combination gives you a soft inside and a crispy outside—ideal for supporting all that creamy topping.
Mixing and kneading the dough might take about 10–15 minutes, but it’s worth every second. After kneading, let it rise for an hour or until doubled in size. The result is a soft, pliable dough that bakes beautifully golden.
White Sauce Ingredients
The soul of a white pizza lies in its sauce. There are two go-to white sauce bases: a simple garlic olive oil or a creamy béchamel. For this recipe, we’ll go with a garlic cream sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
This sauce is silky, garlicky, and has that perfect Parmesan kick. You’ll want to slather it generously over your crust.
Cheese and Toppings
Cheese is king on white pizza. Here’s your best trio:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for melt)
- ½ cup ricotta (for creaminess)
- ¼ cup Parmesan (for sharpness)
Optional toppings that pair beautifully with white pizza include:
- Fresh spinach
- Caramelized onions
- Mushrooms
- Grilled chicken
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh basil
Choose what you love, but try to avoid overloading—white pizza works best when the flavors are balanced and the crust isn’t weighed down.
Preparing the Dough
Making Dough from Scratch
Making pizza dough is easier than it sounds. Start by proofing your yeast: mix it with warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This shows the yeast is active. Then, mix in your flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Once it’s come together, turn it onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 10 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, dust with more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot. After about an hour, it should double in size. Punch it down, roll it out on a floured surface, and get ready to sauce it up.
Tips for a Perfect Crust
- Use a pizza stone or steel: These create a crisp, golden crust from underneath.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Once rolled, let it rest for a few minutes to avoid shrinking in the oven.
- Brush the edges with olive oil: This gives your crust a gorgeous golden finish.
- Pre-bake for 5 minutes: If you’re worried about a soggy center, pop your dough in the oven for a few minutes before adding toppings.
Creating the White Sauce
Classic Garlic White Sauce
To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant—about a minute. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, making sure no lumps form. Let it simmer until thickened, then add in your Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
This sauce should coat the back of a spoon—rich, smooth, and full of garlicky goodness. Let it cool slightly before spreading on your pizza to avoid a soggy crust.
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some twists on the classic white sauce:
- Add crushed red pepper for heat.
- Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an earthy punch.
- Stir in goat cheese or cream cheese for extra richness.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a thicker, creamier consistency.
These variations help you tweak the flavor profile depending on your mood or the ingredients you have on hand.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza
Layering Ingredients Correctly
Once your dough is rolled out and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. The layering process is more important than you might think—it ensures even baking and prevents sogginess.
Start with your white sauce—spread it evenly across the dough using the back of a spoon. Make sure not to overdo it, or your crust might not cook properly. A thin, even layer is just right. Next, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese all over the surface. Don’t spread it—those creamy pockets are what make each bite amazing.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the entire pizza. It provides that gooey, stretchy texture we all love. Finish it off with a dusting of Parmesan, and you’ve got a rich, cheesy trio ready to go.
If you’re adding toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions, do it after the cheese. This keeps the ingredients visible and lets them roast slightly, enhancing their flavor during baking.
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C)—yes, that hot! Pizza bakes best at high temps to get that crispy, bubbly finish. If you’re using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven during preheating for at least 30 minutes.
Slide your assembled pizza onto the hot surface using a peel or a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden-brown around the edges. Rotate halfway through baking for an even cook.
Want extra crisp? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning the cheese. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing—it helps the cheese set and keeps the crust intact.
Serving and Storing
Best Ways to Serve White Pizza
White pizza is best served fresh out of the oven, still hot with gooey cheese and crispy crust. Cut it into triangles or squares, depending on your style. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
You can drizzle a bit of olive oil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or a handful of fresh basil on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Want to go fancy? Add a few drops of truffle oil—just a little goes a long way and takes your white pizza to gourmet status.
If you’re serving guests, white pizza makes a great centerpiece. It’s unique, visually stunning, and a welcome break from the usual pepperoni or Margherita pizzas. Consider cutting it into smaller squares as an appetizer or part of a pizza sampler.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Let’s be honest—white pizza leftovers are a blessing. To store, place cooled slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Want to freeze it? Wrap slices individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy. Instead, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crisp. An air fryer also works well, bringing back the original texture in just a few minutes.
Pro tip: if you freeze your pizza, reheat directly from frozen without thawing. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, and it’ll taste just like new.
FAQs about White Pizza Recipe
Q1: What is white pizza made of?
White pizza, also known as pizza bianca, is typically made without tomato sauce. Instead, it features a base of olive oil, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and sometimes parmesan or other cheeses.
Q2: Does white pizza have any sauce?
Yes, white pizza often includes a white sauce such as béchamel or a garlic-infused olive oil base. Some versions use a creamy ricotta mixture for extra richness.
Q3: Can I add toppings to white pizza?
Absolutely! Popular toppings include spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions, prosciutto, artichokes, and even chicken. Choose your favorites for a custom creation.
Q4: Is white pizza healthier than regular pizza?
White pizza can be lighter in some cases since it may have less sugar and acidity from tomatoes. However, it often contains more cheese and cream, so moderation is key.
Q5: What kind of cheese is best for white pizza?
Mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan are classic choices. You can also use fontina, provolone, or goat cheese for added flavor.
Q6: Can I make white pizza without ricotta?
Yes! While ricotta adds creaminess, you can substitute with a white béchamel sauce, cream cheese, or skip it entirely for a lighter version.
Q7: What crust works best for white pizza?
A classic thin crust or Neapolitan-style dough works well to let the creamy toppings shine. You can also use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
Q8: Can I make white pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and toppings in advance. Assemble the pizza just before baking to keep the crust crisp.
Q9: Is white pizza vegetarian-friendly?
It certainly can be! Just stick to cheese and veggie toppings. Avoid meats or use plant-based alternatives.
Q10: How do I store leftover white pizza?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best results—avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Conclusion
With a homemade dough, creamy garlic sauce, and a trio of delicious cheeses, you’re crafting more than just a pizza—you’re building an experience. And with so many topping combinations, it’s easy to customize it to suit any mood or guest list.
This white pizza recipe gives you all the tools to go from scratch to slice with confidence. So next time you’re thinking of ordering out—don’t. Try this instead. Once you taste that first homemade bite, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try white pizza.
