Kamil Perry
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is a pizza that does not have a tomato sauce base. Instead, it is topped with cheese and other ingredients. The type of cheese used on a white pizza varies according to region and personal preference. In New York, for example, white pizza is typically made with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, while in Rome, it may be made with pecorino cheese. Other cheeses that can be used include parmesan, provolone, and fresh mozzarella. White pizza may also be made with a bechamel or alfredo sauce instead of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan, Provolone, Cheddar |
| Base | Olive oil, Bechamel sauce, Garlic sauce, Garlic butter |
| Toppings | Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Arugula, Red chilli flakes, Salt, Black pepper, Banana peppers, Shrimp, Roasted broccoli, Black olives, Clams, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Bitter greens, Black trumpet |
| Dough | Hand-stretched, Cold-fermented, Homemade, Thin-crust, Whole wheat, Neapolitan, Gluten-free |
| Baking | Baked for 13-15 minutes at 450º-500ºF |
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella and ricotta are the standard cheeses for a white pizza
- You can add parmesan or pecorino romano for extra flavour
- Fresh mozzarella contains a lot of moisture, so par-bake the crust to avoid a soggy pizza
- Toppings for a white pizza should complement the rich, melty cheese
- White pizza is a great option for those who want to avoid tomato sauce
Mozzarella and ricotta are the standard cheeses for a white pizza
For a 15-inch pizza, 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella and 1-and-a-half cups of ricotta are recommended. Some recipes suggest adding parmesan, pecorino romano, or another salty, nutty cheese to the mix.
When making a white pizza, it's important to consider the moisture content of the cheese, as this can affect the texture of the crust. Fresh mozzarella, for example, contains a lot of moisture, so it's recommended to par-bake the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy.
White pizza, or pizza bianca in Italian, is characterized by the absence of a tomato-based sauce. Instead, it often features olive oil, garlic, and various toppings. The "white" in the name refers to the colour of the mozzarella cheese, which forms the base of the pizza.
In addition to the standard cheeses, some recipes for white pizza may include other types of cheese, such as provolone or a mix of cheeses.
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You can add parmesan or pecorino romano for extra flavour
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is traditionally made without a tomato sauce base. Instead, it is topped with white cheeses, such as mozzarella and ricotta, and often drizzled with olive oil.
While mozzarella and ricotta are the standard cheeses used, you can add parmesan or pecorino romano for extra flavour. Parmesan cheese, for instance, adds a salty, nutty flavour to the pizza. For the best texture and flavour, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself instead of buying it pre-shredded.
When making a white pizza, it is important to note that the dough should be at room temperature before you stretch it. If the dough is cold, it can easily tear. You can also poke holes in the dough with a fork to prevent it from tearing. Additionally, if you are using fresh mozzarella, which contains a lot of moisture, it is advisable to par-bake the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy.
To add some colour and texture to your white pizza, you can top it with fresh basil leaves, arugula, or parsley. You can also add red chilli flakes or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
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Fresh mozzarella contains a lot of moisture, so par-bake the crust to avoid a soggy pizza
Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza, especially for those wanting an authentic Italian experience. However, fresh mozzarella contains a lot of moisture, which can cause a soggy pizza. To avoid this, it is recommended to par-bake the crust before adding the cheese.
Fresh mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese made from whole milk. It is produced through a simple process and sold fresh, which means it only has a short refrigerator life of about one week. Fresh mozzarella is also a high-moisture cheese, typically containing at least 52% water. This moisture is released when the cheese is melted, which can make a pizza soggy.
To avoid a soggy pizza, it is recommended to par-bake the crust before adding the cheese. This allows the crust to harden slightly, reducing the risk of it becoming saturated with moisture. Par-baking also gives the moisture from the cheese more time to evaporate. If using a baking stone or steel, it is recommended to preheat the oven to its highest temperature for at least 30 minutes before transferring the pizza to the oven.
There are also a few other tricks to avoid a soggy pizza when using fresh mozzarella. Firstly, it is recommended to use a light amount of cheese at the beginning of the cooking process, adding the remaining cheese later. This gives the initial moisture more time to evaporate. Secondly, it is recommended to slice the cheese rather than grate it, as this reduces the surface area and the amount of water that is released. Finally, some chefs recommend mixing fresh mozzarella with a small amount of low-moisture mozzarella to reduce the overall moisture content.
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Toppings for a white pizza should complement the rich, melty cheese
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is traditionally a pizza without tomato sauce. The white colour comes from the mozzarella cheese used as a base. The pizza is then topped with other cheeses, such as ricotta, parmesan, or pecorino romano.
When choosing toppings for a white pizza, it's important to consider how they will complement the rich, melty cheese. Fresh, raw toppings work well to balance out the cheese. For example, a handful of fresh basil leaves or arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon juice can add a bright, fresh flavour to the pizza. If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, you could add red chilli flakes or crushed red pepper.
In addition to the cheese, a white pizza typically includes a garlicky olive oil sauce. This can be made by infusing olive oil with garlic, or by using garlic butter. The sauce adds a punch of flavour to the pizza and pairs well with the cheese.
When making a white pizza, it's also important to consider the type of cheese you are using. Fresh mozzarella contains a lot of moisture, so it's a good idea to par-bake the crust before adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or a mix of cheeses, to find the perfect combination of flavours and textures.
Finally, don't forget the importance of the pizza dough. While you can buy refrigerated pizza dough, making your own dough will give you a more authentic pizzeria flavour. It's also important to let the dough come to room temperature before stretching it out, as cold dough can easily tear.
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White pizza is a great option for those who want to avoid tomato sauce
White pizza, or pizza bianca in Italian, is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. While the traditional New York-style white pizza typically features ricotta and mozzarella cheese, other types of cheese can also be used. For instance, some recipes call for parmesan or pecorino romano, while others suggest using a mix of cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan. Additionally, those who are more adventurous with their flavour profiles can experiment with semi-soft meltable cheeses.
The base of a white pizza is typically hand-stretched, cold-fermented dough, which is then topped with cheese and other ingredients. The dough can be store-bought or homemade, but it is important to ensure it is at room temperature before stretching to avoid tearing. The pizza is then baked until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
White pizza offers a great opportunity to get creative with toppings. While the classic New York-style white pizza may be more minimalistic, other variations include additional toppings such as garlic, olive oil, oregano, red chilli flakes, salt, black pepper, basil, arugula, and even shrimp or roasted broccoli. For those who enjoy a creamy element, a bechamel or alfredo sauce can be added as a base, providing a rich contrast to the chewy crust.
Overall, white pizza is a delicious and flexible option for those avoiding tomato sauce. It allows for experimentation with different cheeses, toppings, and sauces, making it a fun and tasty alternative to traditional red sauce pizzas.
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Frequently asked questions
A white pizza is a pizza without tomato sauce. It usually has a base of olive oil, garlic, and cheese.
The standard cheeses used on a white pizza are mozzarella and ricotta. Some recipes also add a third cheese, such as parmesan, pecorino romano, or provolone.
To make a white pizza, you need to prepare the dough and bring it to room temperature. Then, add olive oil, garlic, and any other desired toppings, such as red chili flakes, salt, or herbs. Finally, add the cheese and bake in the oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
A white pizza can be served with a salad, such as a Caesar salad or a chopped salad with arugula, basil, or parsley.
