Easy White Pizza Recipe by The Schmidty Wife

My First White Pizza

I made my first white pizza by accident. I was out of tomato sauce. I had garlic, oil, and cheese. So I just used those. It was a happy mistake.

My grandson said it was the best pizza ever. I still laugh at that. Sometimes the simplest things are the best. That matters because cooking should be fun, not scary.

Why Garlic and Oil Are Magic

Let’s talk about the garlic and oil. You grate the garlic right into the oil. Then you let it sit. The oil soaks up all that garlicky flavor.

Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the heart of this pizza. This simple step matters. It gives every bite a warm, cozy taste. What’s your favorite smell in the kitchen?

The Fun of Shaping Dough

Shaping dough can be tricky. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle. My pizzas often look like little countries! Use a rolling pin if you like.

Or try the “fist” method the recipe mentions. It feels like a little dance with the dough. *Fun fact: the cornmeal on the peel is called “the secret slide.” It helps the pizza slide right onto the hot stone.

Cheese Clouds

Now for the cheese. First, a layer of shredded mozzarella. Then, dollops of ricotta. Think of them as little cheese clouds floating on top.

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything. It’s like a tiny green snowfall. Do you prefer lots of ricotta dollops, or just a few?

The Big Bake

Watch the oven window. In 12 to 15 minutes, magic happens. The cheese melts and bubbles. The crust turns a lovely golden brown.

Let it rest for a minute before you cut it. This keeps the cheese from sliding off. That first hot, cheesy bite is pure joy. What’s the first food you loved to make?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cornmeal	2 tablespoons	For dusting the pan
Pizza dough	for 10-12 inch pizza	Half of a standard recipe
Garlic	2 cloves	Grated
Extra virgin olive oil	2 tablespoons
Low moisture mozzarella cheese	1 cup	Shredded
Ricotta cheese	1/2 cup
Italian seasoning	1-2 teaspoons

My Easy White Pizza, A Garlicky Hug

Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let’s make a pizza together. This isn’t your usual red sauce pizza. This one is a creamy, garlicky dream. It feels like a cozy blanket for your tummy. I love making this on a quiet Friday night. The smell of garlic and warm cheese fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He calls it “cloud pizza” because of the fluffy ricotta. I still laugh at that. Let’s get our hands a little floury, shall we?

Step 1: First, get your oven very hot. Set it to 450 degrees. If you have a pizza stone, put it in now. This helps it get hot too. A hot stone makes the crust crispy. I learned that the hard way! Now, let’s make our garlic oil. Grate two cloves of garlic right into a little bowl of olive oil. Give it a good stir. This simple mix is the secret flavor. Set it aside for a moment.

Step 2: Time to shape the dough. Sprinkle some flour on your counter. Place your dough ball on it. Now, gently stretch it into a big circle. You can use a rolling pin if it’s easier. My favorite way is to use my fists. Make two gentle fists. Put them under the dough’s edge and gently pull apart. Turn the dough and repeat. (Hard-learned tip: If the dough fights you, walk away for five minutes. It just needs a little rest, like we all do!).

Step 3: Sprinkle cornmeal on your pizza peel. This is like little edible ball bearings. It lets the pizza slide right off! Lay your shaped dough on the cornmeal. Give the peel a tiny shake. Does the dough slide a bit? Good, it won’t stick. Now, take your garlic oil. Use a spoon’s back to spread it all over the dough. Leave a small bare edge for the crust. This is your flavor base.

Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the oil. Cover it nicely. Then, take spoonfuls of ricotta. Dot them all over the mozzarella like little clouds. It’s so pretty! Finally, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. What’s your favorite pizza topping to add? Share below! Now, add a little more cornmeal to your hot stone. Carefully shake your pizza from the peel onto the stone. It’s a quick, confident motion. You can do it!

Step 5: Bake your pizza for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and turn golden. Those little brown spots are flavor spots! Carefully take it out. Let it sit on a cutting board for just a minute. This keeps the cheese from sliding off. Then, slice it up. The first bite is always the best. The crust is crisp. The cheese is gooey. The garlic sings. Pure happiness on a plate.

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Main Course

Three Fun Twists to Try

This pizza is a wonderful canvas. You can paint it with so many flavors. Here are three of my favorite ways to change it up. They are all simple and delicious. Cooking should be fun, don’t you think?

The Garden Party: After baking, top with fresh baby arugula and thin slices of lemon. It’s so fresh and bright.

The Cozy Autumn: Swap the garlic oil for fig jam. Add sliced prosciutto and fresh rosemary before baking. Sweet and salty!

The Spicy Kick: Add slices of spicy pepperoni under the cheese. After baking, drizzle with a little hot honey. Oh my!

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This pizza is a full meal by itself. But I love to add a little something on the side. A simple, crisp salad is perfect. It cuts through the richness. Try mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes, I just serve carrot and cucumber sticks. They are great for dipping in any extra pizza crust.

For a drink, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully. It’s light and crisp. For a non-alcoholic treat, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. It cleanses your palate between each cheesy, wonderful bite. So, tell me. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your White Pizza Fresh

Let’s talk about keeping your pizza tasty for later. First, let it cool completely. Then wrap slices tightly. They will last in the fridge for about three days.

You can freeze it too. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then put them all in a freezer bag. They will keep for a month. I once froze a whole pizza for my grandson’s surprise visit. He was so happy!

To reheat, use your oven. Set it to 375 degrees. Place slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp. Batch cooking matters. It gives you a fast, homemade meal on a busy night.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Pizza Problems

Is your dough too sticky? Do not worry. Just add a little more flour to your hands. This prevents a big, sticky mess. I remember when my dough stuck to everything!

Is the pizza sticking to the peel? Shake it gently before adding toppings. If it sticks, lift the edge and toss a bit more cornmeal underneath. A sticky pizza will not slide onto the stone.

Is your crust soggy? Your oven might not be hot enough. Always let it preheat fully. A hot oven gives you a perfect, crisp crust. Fixing these small issues builds your confidence. It also makes your food taste much better.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pizza Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Check that all your seasonings are gluten-free too.

Q: Can I make the garlic oil ahead?
A: Absolutely. Mix it up a day before. Store it in a little jar in the fridge.

Q: I don’t have ricotta. What can I use?
A: Try small spoonfuls of creamy goat cheese. It will taste wonderful.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: You can! Just make two separate pizzas. Baking two at once can make the oven temperature drop.

Q: Any extra tips?
A: Let the pizza rest for a minute after baking. This helps the cheese set so it does not slide off. Fun fact: Letting pizza rest is called “carryover cooking.” The heat inside keeps working!

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this easy white pizza. It is simple, cheesy, and so satisfying. Cooking is about sharing joy and full bellies.

I would love to see your creation. Did you add any extra toppings? How did your family like it? Please share your kitchen story with me.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnaWhitmoreEats. I always look for your photos.

Happy cooking! —Anna Whitmore.