Pizza Bianca Recipe – The Creamy, Dreamy White Pizza You’ll Fall in Love With
If you’re a true pizza lover, chances are you’ve already had your fair share of cheesy margheritas, smoky pepperoni pies, or veggie-loaded slices. But let me tell you this: nothing, and I mean nothing, comes close to the pure indulgence of a Pizza Bianca.
The name itself translates to “white pizza” in Italian, and that’s exactly what it is—a pizza without tomato sauce, topped with a creamy base of cheeses, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes herbs or seasonal toppings. Think of it as the elegant cousin of the classic red-sauced pizza. Creamy, garlicky, crisp on the edges, soft in the center—pizza bianca is comfort and sophistication baked into one heavenly bite.
I’ve spent years tweaking my version of this pizza bianca recipe, and today I’m sharing with you the version that makes my family swoon every single time.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect authentic pizza bianca:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Tipo “00” if you can find it) | 3 ½ cups |
| Warm water (about 100°F / 38°C) | 1 ⅓ cups |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh mozzarella (low-moisture works best) | 200 g |
| Ricotta cheese | 150 g |
| Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) | 60 g |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | 2–3 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary or thyme | 1–2 tsp |
| Extra olive oil (for drizzling) | As needed |
| Sea salt flakes | To taste |
| Black pepper (freshly cracked) | To taste |
🍕 Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza Bianca
1. Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is your yeast waking up and saying, “let’s do this.”
Now add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the cheese mixture
While your dough is rising, mix ricotta with minced garlic, half of the parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy base is what makes the pizza bianca recipe so unique.
3. Shape the dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into your desired shape—round for tradition, or rectangular for a more rustic “bakery-style” vibe. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Build the pizza
Spread your ricotta mixture evenly over the dough. Add slices of mozzarella, sprinkle the remaining parmesan, and scatter fresh herbs. Don’t be shy with the olive oil—drizzle generously.
5. Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it goes (usually 250°C / 480°F). Slide the pizza in and bake for 8–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling with those irresistible golden-brown spots.
6. Finish with flair
As soon as the pizza comes out, hit it with flaky sea salt, a crack of black pepper, and maybe a little more olive oil. Slice it up and serve immediately.
⭐ Tips & Tricks for the Best Pizza Bianca
- Use a pizza stone if possible – It gives you that authentic wood-fired texture with crisp edges and a tender middle.
- Experiment with toppings – Try caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, or even prosciutto for a gourmet twist.
- Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle – It’s not just for flavor, it also helps everything brown beautifully.
- Use good cheese – Fresh mozzarella and high-quality parmesan make all the difference.
❓ FAQs About Pizza Bianca Recipe
1. What makes pizza bianca different from regular pizza?
It’s all about the lack of tomato sauce. Pizza bianca uses a creamy, garlicky cheese base instead, making it rich and indulgent.
2. Can I make pizza bianca without ricotta?
Yes! You can use mascarpone or even cream cheese, but ricotta gives it the most authentic Italian touch.
3. How do I reheat pizza bianca?
Skip the microwave—reheat in a hot oven for 5–6 minutes to bring back the crisp crust and gooey cheese.
4. Is pizza bianca vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you stick with cheese and herbs. But it’s also a great base for adding cured meats like pancetta or prosciutto.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Making this pizza bianca recipe at home is one of the most satisfying kitchen projects you can do. It’s simple, but it tastes like something straight out of a Roman bakery. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese is absolutely irresistible.
Every time I make it, it disappears faster than I can slice it. And honestly? That’s the best compliment a cook can get.
So roll up your sleeves, grab some flour, and treat yourself to a pizza night that’s a little different—but just as magical. Buon appetito! 🍕✨
See Also: Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic
