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White Garlic Ricotta Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

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4.3 from 68 reviews

This easy white pizza recipe features a crispy crust topped with a flavorful garlic olive oil, creamy ricotta cheese infused with fresh thyme and lemon zest, melty mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious pizza night served alongside a green or chopped salad.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

  • 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
  • Cornmeal, for stretching the dough

Garlic Oil

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated

Cheese Mixture

  • 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

Toppings

  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour to become more pliable. If using homemade dough, prepare according to your recipe.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F (or the highest possible temperature) to ensure a crispy crust.
  3. Make garlic oil: In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil with grated garlic, stirring to blend the flavors.
  4. Prepare ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the whole milk ricotta cheese with chopped fresh thyme, lemon zest, and sea salt until evenly combined.
  5. Stretch and par-bake the crust: Lightly dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Place the pizza dough on the baking sheet and stretch it into a large circle or oval shape. Use a fork to poke holes throughout the dough to prevent bubbling during baking. Par-bake the crust for 5 minutes.
  6. Dock the crust again: Remove the crust from the oven and use the fork to poke holes again, releasing any trapped air bubbles to maintain an even crust.
  7. Assemble the pizza: Brush the garlic olive oil evenly over the par-baked crust. Dollop the ricotta mixture onto the center of the dough and spread thinly, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Next, scatter torn mozzarella over the top, followed by a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese.
  8. Bake the pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully browned and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes over the pizza. Slice and serve immediately with your favorite salad.

Notes

  • Letting the dough rest at room temperature makes it easier to stretch.
  • Using fresh herbs and lemon zest brightens the flavors of the ricotta cheese layer.
  • Par-baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy under the cheese toppings.
  • You can substitute pecorino for Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with a green salad or chopped salad for a balanced meal.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian