Name: The Best White Cheese Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

If you’re craving cheesy, golden, bubbly goodness without the traditional red sauce, this white cheese pizza is going to steal your heart (and your taste buds). A luscious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan creates a velvety blanket over crispy, chewy crust—topped with a kiss of garlic and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food with a gourmet twist.

What makes this pizza so special is how each bite balances richness with freshness. The white sauce lets the cheese shine, offering a creamy contrast to the crispy edges. Whether you’re hosting friends, making a cozy weeknight dinner, or just in the mood for pizza night without the marinara, this white cheese pizza is a no-fuss, flavor-loaded winner.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into layers of cheese and dough, gathering the right tools will set you up for success. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Pizza Stone or Steel: This helps mimic the high-heat surface of a brick oven, ensuring a crisp, golden crust.
Rolling Pin: Crucial for evenly stretching your dough to the desired thinness.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple to prepare the cheese blend and garlic oil separately.

Basting Brush: For brushing the garlic olive oil over the crust before baking—this adds flavor and helps browning.
Oven or Pizza Oven: A very hot oven (500°F or higher) is key for getting that professional-quality crust and cheese bubble.
Pizza Peel or Flat Baking Sheet: To transfer your pizza in and out of the oven smoothly.

These tools not only make the process smoother but elevate the final result—because good pizza is all about great texture and proper heat.

Ingredients for The Best White Cheese Pizza

Pizza Dough: The foundation of any good pizza. Go with homemade or store-bought—as long as it’s soft and elastic.
Olive Oil: Infused with garlic to brush on the crust, giving it flavor and that lovely golden sheen.

Fresh Garlic: Sautéed and added to olive oil, it brings that irresistible aroma and warmth.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that classic melt and stretchy bite. Fresh mozzarella or low-moisture both work well.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness without making the pizza greasy.

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it enhances the overall flavor profile.
Italian Seasoning or Fresh Basil: Either option adds herby brightness to complement the creamy cheese.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick of heat if desired.

How To Make The Best White Cheese Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 500°F (or the highest setting). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This ensures a crisp bottom crust.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil

In a small skillet, gently warm olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll or stretch your dough into a 10-12 inch circle. Transfer to parchment or a floured pizza peel.

Step 4: Brush and Layer

Brush the crust generously with garlic olive oil. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta evenly, then layer mozzarella slices across the dough. Sprinkle with shredded parmesan and Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Slice

Remove from oven and let rest a minute. Sprinkle with fresh basil or red pepper flakes. Slice and serve while hot and gooey.

How to Serve and Store This White Cheese Pizza

Serving: Serve your white cheese pizza hot out of the oven, ideally within the first 5 minutes for the ultimate melt and pull. Pair it with a light arugula salad or a chilled glass of white wine for a more refined meal. It also makes a great appetizer when sliced into small squares.

Storing: If you have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with a softer crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but fresh mozzarella and block parmesan melt better and offer richer flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melt quality.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

No worries! Use an upside-down baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet to get a crisp crust.

Is it okay to add toppings?

Absolutely. You can add spinach, caramelized onions, mushrooms, or even grilled chicken—just don’t overload it, as the cheese should still be the star.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pizza up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! All the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check your cheese labels to ensure they use microbial rennet if you’re strict.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Of course. Just substitute with a gluten-free pizza dough.

Want More Pizza Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this white cheese pizza, you might enjoy these other creative takes on comfort food:

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a bite-sized twist on a classic.
Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole for a hearty mashup.
Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread that pairs perfectly as a base.

Taco Ranch Bites if you’re into savory snacks.

Looking for even more delicious inspiration? Check out my daily recipes over on Pinterest: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all in with three cheeses? Add a drizzle of hot honey? Maybe tossed in some mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

The Best White Cheese Pizza

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2–3)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This white cheese pizza is the ultimate indulgence—golden, cheesy, garlicky, and bursting with creamy flavor without a drop of red sauce. With a crispy crust and a trio of cheeses (mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan), it’s a pizza-night favorite with an elegant twist.