Italian Authentic Pizza with White Sauce

This Italian Authentic Pizza with White Sauce is a rich and flavorful take on classic pizza. Made with a creamy ricotta-based white sauce, fresh mozzarella, and pecorino romano cheese, this pizza delivers an indulgent, cheesy bite every time. Fresh basil and a touch of garlic enhance the flavors, making this a perfect addition to your weeknight dinners or a homemade pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian flavors – A delicious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and pecorino romano.
• No tomato sauce needed – A creamy white sauce makes this pizza unique and rich.
• Easy to make – Uses store-bought dough for convenience.
• Crispy and cheesy – A golden, bubbly crust with perfectly melted cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (fresh, store-bought) – 16 oz
• Olive oil (extra virgin) – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) – 1 clove
• Ricotta cheese – ⅔ cup
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – 2 cups
• Pecorino romano cheese (grated) – 2 tablespoons
• Fresh basil leaves – 6
• Red pepper flakes – ⅛ teaspoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if using a stone.

2. Make the White Sauce

1. Mix the Base: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until smooth.

3. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the ricotta base, followed by grated pecorino romano.
3. Drizzle with Oil: Lightly drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.

4. Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer to Oven: If using a baking sheet, place it directly in the oven. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the preheated stone.
2. Bake for 10-12 Minutes: Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust is crispy.

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Basil: Once out of the oven, top with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into 8 slices and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes dough resting if applicable)

Variations

• Mushroom White Pizza: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Prosciutto & Arugula: Top with prosciutto after baking and add fresh arugula for a peppery bite.
• Garlic Butter Crust: Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes! If you prefer homemade dough, let it rise fully before rolling it out.

What’s the best cheese substitute for pecorino romano?

Parmesan cheese is a great alternative.

Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?

Absolutely! A regular baking sheet works well, though a stone gives a crispier crust.

Is this pizza vegetarian?

Yes! It contains no meat, making it a great vegetarian option.

Can I add toppings before baking?

Yes! Cooked chicken, mushrooms, or caramelized onions work well as additional toppings.

Why is my pizza crust not crispy?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and bake directly on a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better, but pre-shredded can be used for convenience.

What’s the best way to roll out pizza dough?

Let the dough sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before rolling to make it more pliable.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.

What’s the best way to store leftover dough?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Italian Authentic Pizza with White Sauce is a delicious, cheesy, and easy-to-make recipe that brings restaurant-quality pizza right to your home. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite toppings, this white pizza is sure to become a favorite. Try it for your next pizza night and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Authentic Italian White Pizza (Pizza Bianca) is a rich, cheesy delight featuring a creamy white sauce, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and Pecorino Romano. With a crispy, golden crust and fragrant basil topping, this classic Italian pizza is simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gourmet pizza night at home.

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Ingredients

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For the Pizza:

• 16 oz fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 6 fresh basil leaves, torn

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.

2. Make the White Sauce Base:

4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
5. Brush this mixture evenly over the pizza dough.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the base.
7. Dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese around the pizza.
8. Sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese for extra flavor.

4. Bake the Pizza:

9. Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

5. Garnish & Serve:

10. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
11. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on a pizza stone or steel.
• Add extra toppings like caramelized onions, mushrooms, or prosciutto for a gourmet twist.
• If using homemade dough, allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching.
• Serve with a side of balsamic glaze or garlic butter for dipping!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Dough Resting Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian