Name: White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade; Cornmeal, for stretching the dough; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, grated; Heaping ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (preferably Belgioioso for creaminess); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; ½ teaspoon lemon zest; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn; ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 68 reviews

If you are craving a pizza experience that feels both indulgent and fresh, this White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. It combines a crisp yet tender crust with a luscious garlic oil, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Every bite is a cozy, cheesy hug that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests at your next pizza night.

Ingredients You'll Need

A single slice of pizza sits on a silver pizza tray with a white marbled surface underneath. The pizza has a thick golden crust, topped with melted white cheese that is slightly browned in spots and fresh green arugula leaves scattered on top. Around the slice, there are some crumbs and pieces of arugula. A metal pizza cutter with a silver handle rests beside the slice on the tray. In the bottom of the image, a red and white checkered cloth is partly visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the pizza’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the creamy ricotta to the punchy garlic oil, each component elevates the final dish in a way that feels both gourmet and effortless.

1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, whether store-bought or homemade, providing structure and a chewy bite.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Infused with garlic, it adds aromatic depth and richness to the crust.
2 garlic cloves, grated: Fresh garlic ensures a bright, punchy flavor that awakens the palate.
½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this cheese lends a luscious, velvety texture; Belgioioso is a favorite for its creaminess.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Offers a subtle earthiness and herbaceous note.
½ teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens the richness of the cheese.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
Cornmeal: For dusting the baking sheet, helping the dough slide easily and crisp up beautifully.
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn: Melts gorgeously and provides that gooey, stringy goodness pizza lovers crave.
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty kick to finish the cheese layering perfectly.
Fresh basil leaves: For a bright, herbal garnish that adds color and fragrance.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but recommended for a touch of heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheeses.

How to Make White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by preparing your pizza dough according to your favorite recipe or let your store-bought dough come to room temperature for about an hour. This step ensures the dough stretches easily, giving you that perfect base that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven as high as it will go, ideally to 500°F. The high heat is essential to mimic pizza ovens and achieve that irresistible, slightly charred crust with bubbling cheese on top.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Oil

In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil with grated garlic. This simple mixture will transform your crust into a fragrant, flavorful canvas that complements the cheese beautifully.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta, fresh thyme, lemon zest, and sea salt. This mixture is creamy and bright, with herbal and citrus notes that balance the richness of the cheeses.

Step 5: Shape and Par-Bake the Crust

Dust a baking sheet generously with cornmeal, then stretch the dough into a large circle or oval. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough; this helps prevent bubbling. Par-bake the dough for 5 minutes, so the crust sets before adding toppings, avoiding sogginess.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake

Remove the crust, poke it gently with a fork again to release air bubbles. Brush the garlic oil over the entire crust, then dollop and spread the ricotta mixture into a thin layer, leaving about an inch border untouched. Layer torn mozzarella evenly, then sprinkle the Parmesan on top. Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the crust is golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, top the pizza with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a hint of heat. Slice and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

The image shows a large, unevenly stretched dough circle placed on a clear glass plate resting on a white marbled surface. Surrounding it are various ingredients: a bowl of yellow cornmeal at the top, fresh green basil leaves on the left, a block of hard cheese and some finely grated cheese near a black metal grater, a glass jar of olive oil with a handle at the upper right, and a white bowl filled with creamy white ricotta cheese topped with lemon zest and a spoon inside. Next to it, there’s a small clear bowl holding a round ball of smooth mozzarella cheese, and below, a metal pizza cutter lies on the surface. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible at the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil and red pepper flakes are classic garnishes that add a layer of freshness and subtle spice without overpowering the creamy cheeses. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also add a glossy, rich finish.

Side Dishes

This white pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a chopped salad loaded with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes. The fresh, crunchy texture balances perfectly against the gooey, cheesy pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your serving, consider slicing the pizza into smaller, appetizer-sized pieces for parties. You can also add a sprinkle of microgreens or serve alongside a bowl of spicy marinara sauce for dipping, bringing a fun twist to the classic white pizza experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing too much freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze any unbaked prepped pizza by assembling it on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then wrapping tightly. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure a crispy crust and fully melted cheese.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pizza on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to revive the crispness of the crust and melt the cheese. Avoid the microwave to prevent a soggy crust.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses for this pizza?

Absolutely! While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan create the perfect harmony here, you can experiment with fontina, goat cheese, or even a bit of gouda for an interesting twist on the flavor profile.

Is it necessary to par-bake the crust?

Par-baking keeps the crust firm enough to hold the creamy, wet toppings without becoming soggy. It’s highly recommended to achieve that ideal crisp-chewy texture.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough in place of regular dough. Just be mindful that baking times and dough elasticity may vary slightly.

How important is the garlic oil?

The garlic oil is a game-changer—it infuses the crust with savory, aromatic flavor that truly sets this white pizza apart from a plain cheese pizza. Don’t skip it!

Can I add veggies or meat toppings?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even thin slices of chicken can complement this pizza, but keep toppings light to let the creamy cheeses shine.

Final Thoughts

This White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both luxurious and approachable. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So roll up your sleeves, fire up that oven, and treat yourself to a slice of cheesy, garlicky heaven. You’ll be glad you did!