White Pizza Recipe
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If you’ve never tried White Pizza, this is your sign. Instead of the usual tomato sauce, it starts with a layer of garlicky ricotta, gets loaded up with mozzarella and parmesan, then it all bakes together into a bubbly, golden pizza with crispy edges. Topped with fresh basil, it’s simple yet feels fancy—great when you want something a little different from the usual slice.
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This pizza works perfectly for me when I need something quick that still feels a little special. It’s easy to pull together with ingredients I usually have on hand, and since it uses a pre-made crust, there’s no waiting around for dough to rise. You can prep it ahead, stash it in the fridge, or freeze it! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a game day snack, it’s one of those recipes that always gets eaten down to the last slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make White Pizza with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You don’t need any fancy tricks—just follow my easy steps and your pizza will come out crisp, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Make the Ricotta Mixture
Mix the ricotta cheese with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small bowl. Set it aside—this gives your pizza a flavorful, creamy base that takes the place of traditional sauce.
Prep the Crust
Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet or an air fryer-safe pizza stone that fits in your air fryer. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the top to help the crust brown and crisp as it cooks.
Layer the Toppings
Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the crust. Spread it out gently with the back of your spoon or a spatula, leaving just about an inch around the edges, so your pizza crust bakes up properly.
Then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Finish with a second drizzle of olive oil to help everything bubble and brown.
Bake or Air Fry
Pop the pizza into your air fryer set to 400°F. Let it bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust looks golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
If your air fryer runs hot, start checking around the 8-minute mark.
Finish and Slice
Once it’s out of the air fryer, let the pizza rest for a minute or two. This short rest gives the cheese a chance to settle slightly, so it doesn’t slide off when you cut into it, and it also keeps you from burning your mouth on piping hot cheese.
Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, slice it into eight pieces, and serve while the cheese is still nice and melty. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve made this white pizza a bunch of times, and here are a few tips that can make your process smoother and your pizza even better.
- Flavorful Ricotta Base: Don’t skip the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in the ricotta—they give it depth and balance out the richness of the cheese.
- Use a Prebaked Crust: This helps the pizza cook evenly in the air fryer and gives you a crisp base without needing a long bake time.
- Olive Oil Helps Everything Brown: A drizzle before and after topping makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Watch the Cook Time: Air fryers can vary. Start checking at 8 minutes to make sure the cheese isn’t getting too browned.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: Giving it a minute to cool helps the cheese set slightly so your slices stay neat.
- Add Basil After Baking: Fresh basil wilts fast—toss it on just before serving so it keeps its flavor and color.
- Mix Up the Toppings: You can add extras like spinach, mushrooms, or even a little prosciutto if you want something heartier.
How to Store Leftovers
Once the pizza cools down, you can store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to reheat, use the air fryer or oven so the crust stays crisp—just heat until warmed through.
You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 1-2 months. Just note the texture of the ricotta might change a bit after thawing, but it’ll still taste great.
What to Serve With White Pizza
White pizza is rich on its own, so it pairs well with something fresh like a big green salad or a tangy tomato soup on the side.
Garlic bread or a few roasted veggies would round things out, and if you’re pouring drinks, a cold soda or a chilled glass of white wine works great with the cheesy flavors.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
Love pizza? I’ve got you—here are more easy and delicious cheesy pizza recipes that’ll surely be your new favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 pizza crust
- ⅔ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
- 6 leaves fresh basil
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Set aside.⅔ cup ricotta cheese, 1 clove garlic, ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pizza crust
- Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly across the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the cheese.2 cups shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Top with fresh basil leaves. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.6 leaves fresh basil
Notes
- Flavorful Ricotta Base: Don’t skip the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in the ricotta—they give it depth and balance out the richness of the cheese.
- Use a Prebaked Crust: This helps the pizza cook evenly in the air fryer and gives you a crisp base without needing a long bake time.
- Olive Oil Helps Everything Brown: A drizzle before and after topping makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Watch the Cook Time: Air fryers can vary. Start checking at 8 minutes to make sure the cheese isn’t getting too browned.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: Giving it a minute to cool helps the cheese set slightly so your slices stay neat.
- Add Basil After Baking: Fresh basil wilts fast—toss it on just before serving so it keeps its flavor and color.
- Mix Up the Toppings: You can add extras like spinach, mushrooms, or even a little prosciutto if you want something heartier.
