New York-Style White Pizza

New York-style white pizza is a delicious variation of traditional pizza that skips the tomato sauce in favor of a rich, cheesy base. This iconic pie features a crisp yet foldable crust topped with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, infused with garlic and olive oil for extra flavor. Whether you’re craving a lighter alternative to classic pizza or looking for a gourmet option for pizza night, this white pizza delivers bold taste with a simple, satisfying texture.

Key Benefits

1. Rich and Flavorful

New York-style white pizza boasts a creamy, cheesy base with a perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, enhanced with garlic and olive oil.

2. No Tomato Sauce

A great alternative for those who prefer a pizza without tomato sauce, making it ideal for a milder, yet still savory, flavor profile.

3. Crispy Yet Chewy Crust

The classic New York-style dough creates a thin, crispy crust that remains soft and foldable, just like the famous slices found in NYC pizzerias.

4. Easy to Customize

White pizza pairs well with a variety of toppings, from fresh herbs to sautéed vegetables and savory proteins like grilled chicken or prosciutto.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a pizza party, or a gourmet treat, this white pizza is always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the White Sauce:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
• Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for an Authentic NY Crust

1. In bowl, mix a warm water and sugar, and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy. This activates the yeast, ensuring a perfect rise.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add olive oil and the mixture.
3. Put the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. to obtain a crispy but soft crust.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Create a Flavorful White Sauce

5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the secret to a rich, velvety texture that defines a great white pizza.

Step 3: Assemble Like a New York Pizzeria

6. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.
7. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour, then stretch or roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. If you prefer an authentic NY-style texture, use your hands to stretch the dough rather than a rolling pin.
8. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper for easy handling.
9. Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of crust exposed around the edges.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
11. Scatter minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes across the pizza for a depth of flavor.
12. Brush the outer crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Serve

13. Put the pizza on the preheated baking sheet. For 8 to 12 minutes Bake, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling or the crust is golden brown.
14. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
15. For an extra touch of freshness, top with arugula or fresh basil leaves.
16. Slice into classic New York-style wedges and enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality white pizza!

Pro Tips and Variations

Pro Tips for a Perfect New York-Style White Pizza

Use High-Quality Cheese – Opt for whole milk mozzarella and fresh ricotta for a rich, creamy texture. Shred mozzarella yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability.

Achieve the Perfect Crust – Let your dough come to room temperature before stretching to prevent tearing. If possible, use a pizza stone or baking steel preheated in the oven for a crispier, more authentic NY-style crust.

Balance the Flavors – White pizza lacks the acidity of tomato sauce, so balance the richness by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, black pepper, or a drizzle of lemon juice after baking.

Control the Moisture – Ricotta and mozzarella contain moisture that can make the pizza soggy. To prevent this, lightly blot fresh mozzarella with a paper towel and avoid overloading the pizza with cheese.

Bake at High Heat – A traditional NY pizza bakes at very high temperatures. Set your oven to at least 500°F (260°C) and preheat it well before baking to ensure a crispy crust.

Creative Variations to Try

Garlic Butter Crust – Before baking, brush the edges of the crust with melted garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Spinach and Ricotta White Pizza – Add fresh or sautéed spinach over the ricotta for a classic white pizza variation.

Mushroom & Truffle White Pizza – Top with sautéed mushrooms and drizzle with truffle oil after baking for an upscale twist.

Chicken Alfredo White Pizza – Toss shredded cooked chicken in a light Alfredo sauce and spread it over the cheese for a protein-packed variation.

Four Cheese Blend – Enhance the flavor by mixing mozzarella, ricotta, provolone, and parmesan for a more complex cheesy profile.

Spicy White Pizza – Add Calabrian chilis, spicy sausage, or hot honey drizzle after baking for a bold, spicy kick.

These expert tips and variations allow you to personalize your New York-style white pizza while maintaining its authentic flavors and texture!

Serving Suggestions

New York-style white pizza is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some great ways to serve it:

Best Side Dishes for White Pizza

Classic Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons perfectly complement the creamy richness of white pizza.

Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery, and infused with garlic, these make an excellent appetizer or side.

Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a well-balanced meal.

Tomato & Basil Salad – The acidity from fresh tomatoes helps cut through the richness of the cheese.

Minestrone or Tomato Basil Soup – A warm, comforting option that pairs well with the pizza’s creamy texture.

Perfect Drinks to Pair with White Pizza

 Sparkling Water with Lemon – A refreshing non-alcoholic option to cleanse the palate.

 Garlic-Infused Olive Oil for Dipping – Serve a small dish of olive oil infused with roasted garlic and red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a gourmet pizza night, these sides and drinks will elevate your New York-style white pizza experience!

Conclusion

New York-style white pizza is a delicious twist on the classic slice, offering a creamy, cheesy experience without the need for tomato sauce. With its crispy-yet-chewy crust, rich ricotta, and perfectly melted mozzarella, this pizza delivers bold flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a pizza night with friends, or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and seasonings. Pair it with a crisp salad, garlic knots, or a glass of wine for a complete meal.

Now that you have a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect white pizza, it’s time to fire up your oven and enjoy a homemade slice of New York’s finest!

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