White Pizza Recipe (No Red Sauce, All the Flavor!)
If you’re looking to elevate your pizza night, this white pizza recipe is a game-changer. Unlike traditional pizza topped with tomato sauce, white pizza (also known as pizza bianca) features a creamy, garlicky base layered with gooey cheese, herbs, and optional toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or prosciutto. It’s rich, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or a weekend treat, this homemade white pizza delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.
🧀 What Is a White Pizza?
A white pizza skips the classic tomato or marinara sauce in favor of a creamy white base made from ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil. The result is a luxurious and cheesy pie that pairs perfectly with various toppings — from spinach and artichokes to roasted chicken and caramelized onions.
Originating from Italy, pizza bianca literally means “white pizza.” Traditionally, it’s a simple flatbread brushed with olive oil, garlic, and salt, baked until golden. Over time, especially in the U.S., it evolved into the cheesy, garlicky pizza we know today.
🍕 Why You’ll Love This White Pizza Recipe
- No tomato sauce needed! Perfect for those who prefer creamy over tangy.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Customizable toppings — from spinach and mushrooms to bacon and herbs.
- Restaurant-quality crust made right in your home oven.
- Ready in under an hour, including prep and bake time.
🧂 Ingredients for White Pizza Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect white pizza from scratch:
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
For the White Sauce (Garlic Ricotta Base)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh basil or spinach leaves
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Olive oil for drizzling
🍞 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
(Shortcut: You can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time.)
Step 2: Make the White Pizza Sauce
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add the garlic and olive oil mixture to the bowl and stir well. This will create a creamy, flavorful base that replaces the tomato sauce.
Step 3: Preheat and Shape the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the White Pizza
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of crust around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly across the top.
- Add toppings such as spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions if desired.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil for that golden finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
🧄 Delicious Topping Ideas for White Pizza
Want to make your white pizza recipe stand out? Try these topping combinations:
- Spinach & Ricotta: Classic and creamy, with a touch of nutmeg for depth.
- Chicken & Mushroom: Perfect for a hearty dinner.
- Prosciutto & Arugula: Savory and peppery with a gourmet touch.
- Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese: A sweet-salty combo that melts beautifully.
- Roasted Garlic & Broccoli: Great vegetarian option with lots of flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve with White Pizza
Balance the richness of this white pizza recipe with light sides or drinks:
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic breadsticks or roasted veggies
- Sparkling water, white wine, or a light beer
- Caprese salad with balsamic drizzle
👩🍳 Expert Tips for the Best White Pizza
- Use high-quality cheese — Fresh mozzarella and Parmesan make all the difference.
- Don’t overload toppings — Too much moisture can make your pizza soggy.
- Preheat your pizza stone — It gives that authentic crispy crust.
- Brush crust with olive oil before baking for a golden edge.
- Experiment with herbs — Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can elevate your flavor.
❄️ How to Store and Reheat Leftover White Pizza
To Store:
- Let the pizza cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes until the crust is crisp again.
- Avoid microwaving—it can make the crust chewy.
🔥 Variations of White Pizza
1. White Pizza with Alfredo Sauce
If you prefer an even creamier texture, use a light homemade Alfredo sauce instead of ricotta.
2. White Pizza with Pesto
Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the dough before adding cheese. The herby flavor complements the creamy base beautifully.
3. Gluten-Free White Pizza
Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for a lighter, lower-carb version.
4. Grilled White Pizza
Cook the pizza on a hot grill for that smoky, charred flavor — perfect for summer nights.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–320 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
(Values vary based on toppings and cheese used.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes white pizza different from regular pizza?
White pizza doesn’t use tomato sauce — instead, it has a creamy ricotta or garlic-olive oil base with cheese and herbs.
2. Can I make white pizza without ricotta?
Yes! Substitute ricotta with cream cheese, mascarpone, or a mixture of Alfredo sauce and mozzarella.
3. What cheese works best for white pizza?
A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone gives the best texture and flavor.
4. Can I freeze white pizza?
Absolutely. Freeze baked slices on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat in the oven for 12–15 minutes.
5. Is white pizza healthier than regular pizza?
White pizza tends to be higher in fat due to the cheese base, but you can make it lighter by using part-skim ricotta, less cheese, and veggie toppings.
🌿 Final Thoughts on White Pizza Recipe
This white pizza recipe is everything you love about pizza—without the tomato sauce. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe that satisfies every craving. Whether you keep it simple with cheese and herbs or load it with veggies and meat, you’ll find yourself coming back to this easy homemade version again and again.
So preheat that oven, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready to fall in love with the irresistible flavor of homemade white pizza!
