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
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add olive oil and the mixture.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.
- 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.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper for easy handling.
- Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of crust exposed around the edges.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Scatter minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes across the pizza for a depth of flavor.
- Brush the outer crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Serve
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- For an extra touch of freshness, top with arugula or fresh basil leaves.
- 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!
New York-Style White Pizza
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
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add olive oil and the mixture.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.
- 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.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper for easy handling.
- Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of crust exposed around the edges.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Scatter minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes across the pizza for a depth of flavor.
- Brush the outer crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Serve
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- For an extra touch of freshness, top with arugula or fresh basil leaves.
- Slice into classic New York-style wedges and enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality white pizza!
Notes
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 1.5mg