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Imagine biting into a slice of warm, cheesy white pizza topped with a medley of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all elevated by the aromatic touch of garlic and fresh basil. This easy white pizza recipe with ricotta and mozzarella is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, offering a delightful twist on traditional pizza. Serve it alongside a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a dish that’s not only comforting but also visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy white pizza is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich flavors with a simple preparation process. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and creamy cheese blend that melts beautifully.
- Fresh garlic and basil add vibrant flavor.
- Versatile—customize it with your favorite toppings.
- Pairs wonderfully with marinara for extra zing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving
How to Make Cheesy White Pizza with Marinara
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about ¼ inch thick. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer, covering it generously.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the cheese.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pizza.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with marinara sauce.
Tips for the Best Results
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use high-quality cheeses for the richest flavor.
- Experiment with additional toppings like spinach, artichokes, or grilled chicken for variety.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
Easy Variations
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Swap the ricotta for a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Use a gluten-free pizza crust if you have dietary restrictions.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for an extra carb treat.
- A side of roasted vegetables to balance out the meal.
- Additional marinara sauce or a pesto dip for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier crust, consider reheating in a skillet on the stovetop.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about ¼ inch thick. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer, covering it generously.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the cheese.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pizza.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.





















