White Pizza (Pizza Bianca): The Ultimate Cheese-Forward Recipe
White pizza, or Pizza Bianca, is proof that you don’t always need tomato sauce to make an incredible pie. This cheese-forward creation focuses on rich, creamy textures and subtle flavors that let quality ingredients shine. Whether you're aiming for a simple garlic and ricotta combo or an elevated pear and gorgonzola masterpiece, here’s how to make the perfect white pizza at home.
What is White Pizza?
White pizza skips the traditional tomato sauce base. Instead, it highlights cheeses, garlic-infused oils, and complementary toppings like greens, fruits, or cured meats. The result is a pizza that feels rich, luxurious, and incredibly versatile.
Key Ingredients for Pizza Bianca
- Base: Olive oil brushed onto the dough, sometimes with minced garlic or a light béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.
- Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, gorgonzola, parmesan, or even burrata for a melty, creamy layer.
- Toppings: Arugula, pears, prosciutto, mushrooms, truffle oil, caramelized onions, walnuts — the options are endless.
How to Build the Perfect White Pizza
- Start with a high-hydration dough for a soft yet crispy base.
- Brush olive oil over the stretched dough and sprinkle with minced garlic and salt.
- Add a generous layer of ricotta, then fresh mozzarella and fontina for melt and flavor depth.
- Top with your choice of ingredients: prosciutto and arugula, or pears and gorgonzola are both classics.
- Bake at 500°F (260°C) until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey or truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella slices, not pre-shredded cheese, for better melt and texture.
- A light dusting of parmesan after baking adds extra umami.
- Experiment with fruit like figs or apples to balance the richness of the cheese.
Final Thoughts
White pizza is a blank canvas for bold cheeses and creative toppings. Whether you keep it simple or go gourmet, Pizza Bianca delivers a luxurious, flavor-packed experience that rivals any red-sauce pie.
Ready to make your own? Explore our Dough Mixers for perfect dough consistency and check out our Pizza Ovens for that crispy, pizzeria-quality bake at home.