Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Garlic Easy Homemade Recipe for Pizza Lovers

Let me tell you, the scent of garlic mingling with creamy ricotta bubbling from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The first time I baked this creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. It wasn’t some fancy pizzeria creation; it was a rainy weekend experiment in my tiny kitchen, trying to recreate that dreamy, cheesy comfort food I’d been craving for ages.

Years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma used to make simple pies with tomato sauce and mozzarella, but this white pizza? It’s a whole different vibe. Rich, velvety ricotta combined with a punch of roasted garlic gives it that soul-soothing character I wish I’d discovered sooner. Honestly, my family couldn’t stop sneaking slices off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). It’s dangerously easy and delivers pure, nostalgic comfort every time.

You know what’s perfect? This creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic is great for everything—from cozy Friday night dinners to impressing guests at potlucks or brightening up your Pinterest cookie board (well, maybe not cookies, but you get the idea). I’ve tested this recipe multiple times—in the name of research, of course—and it’s become a staple for family gatherings and gifting. Trust me, this one feels like a warm hug on a plate, and you’re going to want to bookmark it.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Garlic

Having spent countless evenings perfecting this creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic, I can say it’s a winner for so many reasons. Here’s the lowdown on why this recipe stands out:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips needed—you likely already have everything in your kitchen, from ricotta to garlic and basic pizza dough.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday brunch, or just a treat for yourself, this pizza shines every time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the creamy texture and garlicky kick—it’s a real crowd favorite.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The creamy ricotta blends with the roasted garlic and melty mozzarella to create next-level comfort food.

What makes this recipe different? Well, it’s not just slapping ricotta on dough. The garlic is roasted to mellow out its bite, then combined with creamy ricotta that’s whipped for extra fluffiness. The crust crisps up just right, balancing the luscious toppings perfectly. It’s comfort food reimagined—you get rich flavor without heaviness, and it’s fast enough to whip up any day. Honestly, it’s the kind of pizza that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and savor every moment.

What Ingredients You Will Need for Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Garlic

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples or easy to find at the supermarket.

• Pizza Dough: One 12-inch ball of store-bought or homemade dough (I recommend King Arthur brand for best texture)
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup (250g), preferably whole milk ricotta for creaminess
• Garlic: 3–4 large cloves, roasted and mashed (roasting mellows the pungency)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (100g), shredded (fresh mozzarella works beautifully too)
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25g), freshly grated (adds a sharp, nutty flavor)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin (for brushing the crust and drizzling)
• Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or basil (optional, for a fragrant finish)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (season your ricotta mixture well)
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional, if you like a little heat)

Substitutions: Use almond flour pizza crust for a gluten-free option, swap Greek yogurt for ricotta to add tanginess, or use dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed. For the herbs, thyme or oregano make great swaps depending on your mood. In summer, fresh basil really brightens the whole pizza.

Equipment Needed

• Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: I prefer a pizza stone for crispier crust but a baking sheet works fine—just preheat it for best results.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining ricotta with garlic and seasoning.
• Garlic Roaster or Foil: To roast the garlic cloves easily (you can also roast directly in the oven wrapped in foil).
• Rolling Pin: Helpful for shaping the dough evenly (or just stretch by hand if you’re feeling rustic).
• Cheese Grater: For shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan.
• Basting Brush: To brush olive oil on the crust (optional but handy).

If you don’t have a pizza stone, a cast-iron skillet or even a heavy-duty baking sheet flipped upside down can help mimic the effect. For budget-friendly options, you can roast garlic in a small oven-safe dish covered with foil—no fancy gadget needed. Keeping your stone or pan clean and dry between uses helps maintain that perfect crisp every time.

Preparation Method for Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Garlic

1. Roast the Garlic (15 minutes): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the peeled garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, and roast until soft and fragrant—about 15 minutes. Once cooled, mash garlic into a smooth paste with a fork.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, roasted garlic paste, salt (about ½ teaspoon), pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dough (10 minutes): Increase oven temperature to 475°F (245°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to a 12-inch circle, about ¼-inch thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
4. Assemble the Pizza (5 minutes): Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, especially around the edges for a golden crust. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly on top.
5. Bake the Pizza (12–15 minutes): Bake on the middle rack until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye so it doesn’t overbrown—every oven varies!
6. Finish with Herbs and Oil (1 minute): Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh herbs and red pepper flakes if you like, then drizzle a little more olive oil over the top for shine and flavor.
7. Slice and Serve: Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before slicing (this helps the cheese set just enough). Serve warm and enjoy that creamy, garlicky goodness.

Pro Tip: If your crust is soggy, try pre-baking the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings next time. Also, using whole milk ricotta really makes a difference in creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Techniques for Perfect White Pizza Every Time

Making creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over many attempts:

• Roast Garlic Properly: Don’t skip roasting the garlic—it takes away the harsh bite and adds mellow depth. Raw garlic can overpower the delicate ricotta.
• Temperature Matters: Bake at a high temperature to get that crispy crust and bubbling cheese. 475°F (245°C) is my sweet spot.
• Don’t Overload Toppings: Too much ricotta can weigh down the crust and make it soggy. Spread toppings thin and even for balance.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Fresh mozzarella and good quality ricotta make a huge flavor difference.
• Let Dough Rest: If making dough from scratch, let it rest and rise properly for better texture and flavor.
• Watch the Bake Time: Ovens differ; watch your pizza closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning.

I once left the pizza in a bit too long and ended up with a crunchy-but-dry topping—lesson learned! Multitasking helps; prep your garlic while the dough rests to save time. And if you want extra crispiness, finish with a quick broil for 30 seconds, but watch it like a hawk.

Variations & Adaptations for Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Garlic

One of the best things about this creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic is how easy it is to tweak. Here are a few options I’ve tried and loved:

• Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Mix some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey over the finished pizza for a sweet-heat combo.
• Gluten-Free: Use a store-bought gluten-free pizza crust or a cauliflower crust to enjoy this recipe without the gluten.
• Herb Swap: Switch fresh rosemary for thyme or oregano depending on your pantry and mood.
• Dairy-Free: Swap ricotta for a cashew cream or dairy-free ricotta alternative, and use vegan mozzarella to keep it creamy.

Personally, I tried adding thinly sliced prosciutto after baking once, and it was a game changer—salty, savory, and totally addictive. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic shines best served warm and fresh from the oven. Let it rest a couple of minutes after baking to let the cheese settle slightly.

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad to cut through the richness. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water makes a nice pairing, too.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a hot skillet or oven to bring back crispiness—microwaving can make the crust soggy, so I avoid that.

Flavors actually deepen after a day, so if you have patience, the pizza tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic offers a comforting meal with some nutritional perks. Here’s an estimate per serving (1/4 of pizza):

Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	15g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	2g

Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and garlic provides antioxidants and immune support. Using whole milk ricotta adds richness but also beneficial fats. This recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free or lower carb depending on your crust choice.

From a wellness perspective, it’s a hearty meal that balances indulgence with some nutritious ingredients, perfect for treating yourself without guilt.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a pizza that’s creamy, garlicky, and downright comforting, this creamy white pizza with ricotta and garlic is worth every minute it takes to make. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends or family. Customize it to your taste, whether you add veggies, spice, or swap cheeses.

Personally, I love this recipe because it brings back that warm, cozy feeling only great food can give—plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. I’d love to hear how you make it your own, so drop a comment or share your tweaks. Now go on, grab some ricotta and get baking—your new favorite pizza is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy White Pizza with Ricotta and Garlic

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great and saves time. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for prepping it.

How do I roast garlic without a garlic roaster?

Wrap peeled garlic cloves in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes until soft.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it contains no meat and focuses on cheese and herbs, making it perfect for vegetarians.

Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking, but for best crust texture, bake it fresh.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza?

Reheat slices in a hot skillet or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness without sogginess.

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