Pizza is a one-of-a-kind delicacy that many people love. One way to create this dish at home is to whip up a Homemade Three Cheese White Pizza and enjoy it with friends and family. The best part of making pizza at home is getting to customize it. We're using a three-cheese blend and just a few fresh ingredients. It's the perfect way to enjoy a Pizza Night.
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What is Three Cheese white pizza?
Three Cheese White Pizza is a pizza that uses a white sauce instead of the traditional tomato-based sauce. The sauce is typically made with olive oil, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese. The Three Cheese White Pizza is topped with additional shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs such as basil and oregano.
The result is a creamy, cheesy pizza with a slightly tangy flavor from the Parmesan cheese and a little kick from the red pepper flakes. It's a delicious variation of traditional pizza and an excellent option for those who prefer a lighter sauce or want a vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Dough:
- Active dry yeast: This ingredient is used to help the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Sugar: The sugar is added to feed the yeast and help it activate.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This ingredient is used in dough and the topping. In the dough, it adds moisture and flavor. The topping provides a base for the sauce and adds flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This is the main ingredient in the dough and provides structure to The Three Cheese White Pizza crust.
- Kosher salt: Salt adds flavor to the dough and helps to strengthen the gluten structure.
- Cornmeal: This ingredient is used to dust The Three Cheese White Pizza peel or baking sheet and prevent the pizza dough from sticking.
For the topping:
- Garlic: Garlic adds flavor to the sauce and is a key ingredient in the topping.
- Red pepper flakes: This ingredient adds a spicy kick to The Three Cheese White Pizza and can be adjusted to taste.
- Oregano: This herb is a key ingredient in the pizza sauce and adds flavor to the topping.
- Fresh basil: This herb adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the topping.
- Mozzarella: This cheese is the main cheese used in the topping and provides the classic stringy, melty cheese we associate with pizza.
- Ricotta: This cheese is used in the topping to add creaminess and flavor.
- Cream cheese adds a tangy, creamy flavor to The Three Cheese White Pizza topping.
- Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to The Three Cheese White Pizza topping.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Three-Cheese White Pizza
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
For the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, basil, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to taste. Stir to combine and set aside fully.
For the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir fully and set aside.
In an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast and 1 cup of warm water (about 100 F), and stir the sugar. Stir with a spoon to combine and let sit until foamy. (5 to 10 minutes). Add the olive oil and the flour mixture and knead until the dough pulls away from the side and gathers around the hook. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into 2 even balls. Transfer to 2 lightly oiled bowls; cover with plastic wrap and let it rise warmly until double. (2 to 4 hours) Set a pizza stone or a large baking sheet on the lowest oven rack and preheat to 500 F.
How to Assemble
Stretch 1 ball of dough into a 12-inch round pizza peel or inverted baking sheet, lightly dusted with cornmeal. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with half the mozzarella, toss pieces of cream cheese on top, then brush the edge lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle dried oregano on top, if desired.
Slide the Three Cheese White Pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. (About 8 to 10 minutes). Transfer the Three Cheese White pizzas to a cutting board and cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Bon Appétit!😋
Substitutions
- Active dry yeast: You could use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in the same amount called for in the recipe.
- All-purpose flour: You could use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier crust. You could also use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: You could use another type of oil, such as canola or vegetable oil if you don't have olive oil on hand.
- Mozzarella: You could blend different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, instead of mozzarella. You could also use a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Ricotta: You could use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a similar texture and flavor. You could also use a vegan ricotta substitute made from tofu or cashews.
- Cream cheese: You could use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor. You could also use a vegan cream cheese substitute made from tofu or nuts.
- Parmesan cheese: You could use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a similar salty, nutty flavor. You could also use a vegan Parmesan substitute from nutritional yeast and nuts.
Variations
- Add toppings: You could add toppings to the pizza, such as sliced mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or cooked sausage.
- Use a different sauce: Instead of the white sauce, you could use a red tomato-based or pesto sauce.
- Make it spicy: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes to the topping or some sliced jalapenos.
- Make it meaty: If you're a meat lover, add cooked bacon, pepperoni, or Italian sausage to the topping.
- Use a different cheese blend: Instead of mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese, you could try blending different cheeses, such as goat cheese, feta, and Parmesan.
- Make it vegan: You could use a vegan pizza crust recipe and vegan cheese substitutes for the mozzarella, ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. You could also add vegan toppings such as roasted vegetables or vegan sausage.
How to Serve
To serve Three Cheese White Pizza, slice the pizza into individual servings using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. It's best to do the pizza hot, straight out of the oven, to enjoy the optimal flavor and texture. You can garnish the pizza with additional fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. You can serve the pizza with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Any leftover pizza should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pizza in the oven or microwave before serving. You can enjoy the pizza with your favorite beverage, such as a cold beer or a glass of wine.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow any leftover pizza to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store the Three Cheese White Pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can use several methods to reheat the pizza, such as the oven, microwave, or stovetop.
To reheat: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) in the oven, place the pizza on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. When using the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the top of the slice to prevent it from drying out, and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza on the stovetop by placing a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; place the pizza slice in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Once the pizza is reheated, serve it hot and enjoy!
Make-Ahead
To make Three Cheese White pizza ahead of time, you can prepare the pizza dough and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. You can wrap the dough tightly with plastic or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Alternatively, you can assemble the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone and cover it with plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to bake the pizza, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake it at 425°F (218°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. You could also bake the pizza beforehand, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for 2 days. To reheat, follow the instructions from the previous paragraph. Remember that the pizza may not be as crispy if made beforehand, but it will still be delicious.
How to Freeze
To freeze Three Cheese White pizzas, assemble the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone as the recipe directs. Cover the Three Cheese White Pizza tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then label it with the date and name. Store the pizza in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To cook the frozen pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Before baking, you can thaw the frozen Three Cheese White pizza in the refrigerator overnight. Remember that freezing Three Cheese White Pizza may affect its texture and flavor, and the crust may not be as crispy as fresh pizza. However, freezing the pizza is a great way to prepare a homemade pizza for a quick and easy meal.
Tips for Making The Best Three Cheese White Pizza
- Use quality ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for your pizza, including fresh herbs, good-quality olive oil, and fresh cheeses.
- Preheat the oven: It's important to preheat the oven to a high temperature (around 500 F) before baking the pizza. This ensures the crust becomes crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Use cornmeal: Dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal before placing the dough on it helps prevent the dough from sticking and adds a nice crunch to the crust.
- Roll out the dough evenly: When rolling out the pizza dough, be sure to roll it out evenly to ensure it cooks evenly in the oven.
- Don't overload the pizza: While it may be tempting to add lots of toppings, it's important not to overload it, as this can result in a soggy crust. Stick to a few high-quality toppings, like the three cheeses in this recipe.
- Let the dough rise: Allowing it to rise for a few hours before baking will give it a better texture and flavor.
- Brush the crust with olive oil: Brushing it with olive oil before baking helps to give it a nice golden color and crispy texture.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing: Letting the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing will help to prevent the cheese from sliding off the pizza and ensure that it's easier to cut.
- Customize the recipe: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings, like sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, or onions.
FAQ
My dough didn't rise properly. What could have gone wrong?
Make sure the water you use for the yeast is around 100°F (not too hot or cold). Check the expiration date on your yeast; it should be active; also, ensure that the dough is placed in a warm place for rising. Cold environments can slow down the rising process.
My pizza crust turned out too thick or thin. How can I get the right thickness?
When stretching the dough, try to make it as even as possible. You can use a rolling pin to achieve the desired thickness, and afterward, divide the dough into two equal portions to ensure the right size for each pizza.
The pizza stuck to the peel or baking sheet when I tried to slide it onto the stone. What can I do to prevent this?
Ensure the peel or baking sheet is generously dusted with cornmeal or flour to create a non-stick surface. You can also use parchment paper to transfer the pizza onto the stone. Slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the stone and remove it after a few minutes of baking.
My Three Cheese White Pizza didn't get crispy enough. How can I achieve a crispier crust?
Preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet longer to ensure they are hot. Bake the pizza on the lowest oven rack, closest to the heating element, to ensure it gets direct heat, and use a pizza stone if available, as it helps distribute heat evenly and creates a crispy crust.
Can I customize the toppings for Three Cheese White Pizza?
Yes, you can customize the toppings to your liking. Feel free to add ingredients like sliced tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or other favorite toppings before baking.
How long does Three Cheese White Pizza need to cool before slicing?
Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice without the toppings sliding off.
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Recipe
Easy Three Cheese White Pizza
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil , plus more for the bowls
- 3 cups all-purpose flour , plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (to taste)
- Cornmeal for dusting
For the topping:
- ¼ cup extra virgin oil , plus more bushing
- 5 cloves garlic , finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 Teaspoon oregano
- 5 fresh basil leaves , chopped
- kosher salt
- 3 to 4 Cups Whole Mozzarella , shredded
- ⅔ cup ricotta
- 6 oz cream cheese
- ¼ grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
For the topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, basil, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to taste. Stir to fully combine and set aside.
For the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir fully and set aside.
- In an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast, 1 cup of warm water (about 100 F), and stir the sugar. Stir with a spoon to combine and let sit until foamy. (5 to 10 minutes). Add the olive oil and the flour mixture and knead until the dough pulls away from the side and gathers around the hook.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form into 2 even balls. Transfer to 2 lightly oiled bowls; cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until double. (2 to 4 hours)
- Set a pizza stone or a large pizza baking sheet on the lowest oven rack and preheat to 500 F.
How to Assemble
- Stretch 1 ball of dough into a 12-inch round pizza peel or inverted baking sheet, lightly dusted with cornmeal
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, leaving a ½ inch border. Top with half mozzarella, toss pieces of cream cheese on top, then brush the edge lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle dried oregano on top, if desired.
- Slide the Three Cheese White Pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. (About 8 to 10 minutes). Transfer the Three Cheese White Pizza to a cutting board and let cool 5 minutes before slicing. Bon Appétit!😋
Notes
- To store: Three Cheese White Pizza, allow any leftover pizza to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store the Three Cheese White Pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can use several methods to reheat the pizza, such as the oven, microwave, or stovetop.
- To reheat: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) in the oven, place the pizza on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. When using the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the top of the slice to prevent it from drying out, and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.