Four Cheese White Pizza

A decadent white pizza featuring a creamy garlic-infused ricotta base topped with a blend of four complementary cheeses for a rich and savory experience. This pizza offers a delightful alternative to traditional tomato-based pies.

Four Cheese White Pizza
  • Prep time: 23 minutes
  • Cook time: 13 minutes
  • Total time: 36 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 4 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces shredded provolone cheese
  • 2 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel if using.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Gently stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pizza peel or parchment paper.
  5. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the ricotta base.
  7. Distribute the crumbled Gorgonzola and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top.
  8. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the pizza.
  9. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking steel (or place baking sheet directly in oven).
  10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Using whole milk ricotta provides the best creamy texture.
  • Don't skip the garlic; it adds essential flavor to the white base.
  • Ensure your cheese blend is balanced to avoid overwhelming any single flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cheeses for a white pizza?

A good blend includes a melty cheese like mozzarella or provolone, a sharp cheese like Parmesan, and a pungent cheese like Gorgonzola or blue cheese for complexity. Ricotta forms the creamy base.

How can I make the crust crispier?

Using a preheated pizza stone or steel is key. Alternatively, bake the pizza directly on the oven rack after the initial baking on parchment paper for the last few minutes.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment. Fontina, Gruyere, or even a mild goat cheese could be used instead of one of the listed cheeses, adjusting quantities to your preference.