Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, White Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional tomato-based pies. Instead of marinara, this version highlights a rich white sauce topped with gooey mozzarella, garlic, ricotta dollops, and a finishing touch of herbs that elevate every bite.
Perfect for garlic lovers and cheese fanatics alike, White Pizza has become a go-to for homemade pizza nights or upscale casual dinners. The beauty lies in its simplicity and versatility—serve it with a crisp salad or a drizzle of hot honey for a gourmet experience.
What Cheese Should I Use for White Pizza?
For that creamy, savory finish, use a combination of mozzarella for stretch, ricotta for creaminess, and Parmesan for sharp, nutty notes. You can also add provolone or fontina if you’re feeling adventurous. Fresh garlic and Italian herbs bring out the best in this cheesy blend.
Ingredients for the White Pizza
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cornmeal or flour, for dusting

How To Make the White Pizza
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
Step 2: Build the Base
Brush the dough with olive oil. Evenly spread minced garlic across the surface. Spoon ricotta in small dollops across the pizza.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Top the pizza with shredded mozzarella, sprinkle Parmesan on top, and finish with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, top with fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve and Store White Pizza
Serve White Pizza warm and fresh out of the oven, optionally with a drizzle of chili oil or honey for added depth. It’s perfect alongside a light salad, roasted vegetables, or as a stand-alone indulgence.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results—the microwave will make the crust chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the white sauce on White Pizza made of?
This recipe doesn’t use a traditional white sauce. Instead, it relies on olive oil and ricotta as the creamy base.
Can I add meat to White Pizza?
Absolutely. Cooked bacon, prosciutto, or even grilled chicken work wonderfully.
Is White Pizza vegetarian?
Yes, the base version is vegetarian. Just ensure any added toppings align with your dietary needs.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Definitely. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching to prevent tearing.
What’s a good crust alternative?
Try naan, flatbread, or even cauliflower crust for a lighter or gluten-free option.
Want More Pizza Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this White Pizza, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites from Nina Dishes:
- Cheesy Pizza Bombs for a gooey handheld version.
- Buffalo Chicken Calzone with a spicy, creamy filling.
- Tasty English Muffin Breakfast Pizza for a morning twist.
- Cottage Cheese Egg Bake if you’re in the mood for something high-protein.
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta for another cheesy, comforting meal.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this White Pizza to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.
Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below! Did you use a mix of cheeses or go with the classic trio? Add herbs? Maybe a drizzle of hot honey?
I love seeing how you customize dishes—let’s keep the inspiration going!

White Pizza
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This White Pizza is a cheesy, garlic-packed twist on traditional pizza, featuring a creamy ricotta base, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for pizza nights, casual entertaining, or a gourmet snack!
Ingredients
1 ball pizza dough
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Cornmeal or flour, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if using.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness and transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
3. Brush the dough with olive oil and evenly distribute the minced garlic.
4. Dot the dough with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
8. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, rest a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Use room-temperature dough to make stretching easier.
For extra crispiness, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
Add your favorite toppings like caramelized onions or arugula after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: white pizza, ricotta pizza, garlic pizza
