Hey y'all! Ready to wow your friends and family with something a little different from your usual pizza night? Pizza Bianca—a delicious Italian white pizza—delivers a creamy, garlicky twist on the classic slice, skipping the tomato sauce and loading up on luscious cheeses, olive oil, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers, cozy movie nights, or when you crave a light-yet-flavorful spin on pizza. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pizza Bianca
- Ultra-creamy and cheesy with a luxurious mouthfeel.
- No tomato sauce means lighter yet bold flavors.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and herbs.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers.
- Beautifully golden, crisp crust every time.
Pizza Bianca Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade; see how to make your own)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, to finish (optional)
How to Make Pizza Bianca: Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep and Preheat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it if not using a stone.
2. Shape the Pizza Bianca Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) round or oval.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
3. Prepare the White Pizza Topping
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic.
- Brush this mixture evenly over the stretched dough, leaving a ½-inch border all around.
4. Add Cheese & Herbs
- Spread ricotta in dollops over the surface.
- Evenly sprinkle mozzarella, then Parmesan, all over the pizza.
- Season with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for extra richness.
5. Bake Pizza Bianca
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbly with brown spots.
- Keep an eye on the pizza as oven times may vary.

6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and cool 2 minutes.
- Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Slice and enjoy immediately!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Pizza Bianca
- Let your dough come to room temperature before stretching for easier handling and a lighter crust (see more tips at King Arthur Baking).
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it for at least 30 minutes for a crispier base.
- Try a little lemon zest on top to brighten the flavors!
Pizza Bianca Variations
- Truffle Pizza Bianca: Add a drizzle of truffle oil after baking, and swap in some fontina cheese for extra depth.
- Prosciutto & Arugula: Top with fresh arugula and sliced prosciutto right after baking for a savory finish.
- Four-Cheese White Pizza: Mix in gorgonzola or taleggio with your cheese blend for bolder flavor.
Equipment Needed for Pizza Bianca
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Rolling pin or hands for stretching dough
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Pizza cutter or knife
Pizza Bianca Storage Instructions
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, reheat in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Pizza Bianca is not ideal for freezing as the ricotta may change in texture, but you can wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month if needed.
Pizza Bianca Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside a chilled Pinot Grigio or light Italian white wine.
- Excellent with roasted vegetables or a tangy antipasto platter as a starter.
Pro Tips for Truly Spectacular Pizza Bianca
- Use high-quality cheese for the creamiest, richest flavor (read about cheese quality at Serious Eats).
- Let your dough rest for 10 minutes after shaping for more tender bite.
- Finish with a glug of good olive oil or fresh herbs right after baking to heighten aroma and flavor.
Pizza Bianca FAQ
- Can I make Pizza Bianca gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough for a celiac-friendly version.
- What cheeses can I substitute in Pizza Bianca?
- Go wild with fontina, fresh mozzarella, or even goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Can I add vegetables or other toppings?
- Yes—thinly sliced mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach work beautifully and won't overpower the subtle flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 12 oz)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the middle rack while the oven heats.
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2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
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3Drizzle olive oil evenly over the dough, then scatter the minced garlic across the surface.
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4Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza. Add dollops of ricotta, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
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5Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
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6Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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