Frederic Melton
White pizza, also known as pizza bianca, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. The base is usually pizza dough, drizzled with olive oil and garlic, and topped with white cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan. It is often served with a side of arugula or basil and red pepper flakes. While it may seem like bread and cheese, a white pizza is much more than that. It is a simple yet classy Italian masterpiece that can be found on pizzeria menus in the US, Italy, and beyond.
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What You'll Learn
White pizza is a style of pizza without tomato sauce
White pizza, or pizza bianca in Italian, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. Instead, it is typically made with olive oil, garlic, and cheese, and sometimes with additional toppings such as spinach, tomato, and herbs. The white colour comes from the mozzarella cheese. It is often drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and can be served with extra on the side for dipping.
The pizza dough requires some planning. Store-bought or homemade dough should be at room temperature before cooking. If you are making the dough from scratch, it will need about an hour to rise. If using store-bought dough, take it out of the fridge 1-2 hours before you start cooking. Par-baking the crust is also recommended, especially if using fresh mozzarella, as this prevents a soggy crust.
White pizza is a great option for those who are allergic to tomatoes but still want to enjoy pizza. It also allows for toppings that may not pair well with the flavour of tomatoes. In addition, the absence of tomato sauce means that the garlic and cheese flavours can really shine through.
White pizza can be found on pizzeria menus in the US, Italy, and beyond, although its exact definition can vary by region. For example, in New York, white pizza typically has olive oil, garlic, and herbs as the sauce base, with mozzarella and sometimes ricotta or spinach. In contrast, in Rome, white pizza may refer to a type of flatbread that looks like a cross between bread and focaccia, with nothing on it but oil and salt.
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White pizza is made with pizza dough
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. Instead, it is made with pizza dough, olive oil, garlic, and cheese. It is a fun twist on traditional pizza and is especially prevalent in Rome and the surrounding areas. The pizza dough can be store-bought or homemade, but either way, it needs to be at room temperature before cooking. If you are using fresh mozzarella, it is recommended to par-bake the crust to prevent a soggy texture.
White pizza generally consists of a base of garlicky olive oil, sometimes with added herbs, and is then topped with cheese. The cheese is typically a blend of white cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, but other varieties such as provolone can also be used. The blend of creamy, melty, and flavorful cheeses creates a restaurant-quality pizza. For a cheesier pizza, you can also add more Parmesan after baking, along with arugula or basil for a peppery, green element.
While white pizza typically does not use tomato sauce, some variations include sliced tomatoes or a béchamel sauce as a base. It can also be topped with vegetables such as spinach, artichoke hearts, zucchini, mushrooms, or fresh basil leaves. Meats such as pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatballs, or spicy salami can also be added. For a spicy kick, include some red pepper flakes or Calabrian chile.
White pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences. It provides a great base for toppings that do not pair well with the flavor of tomatoes. Whether you are making it at home or ordering it from a pizzeria, white pizza is a delicious alternative to traditional red sauce pizza.
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White pizza is topped with olive oil and garlic
White pizza, or pizza bianca in Italian, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. Instead, it is topped with olive oil and garlic, creating a delicious base for a variety of toppings. This combination of olive oil and garlic adds a ton of flavour and helps the crust brown beautifully.
The process of making a white pizza with olive oil and garlic starts with preparing the dough. You can choose to make your own dough from scratch or use store-bought dough, ensuring it is at room temperature before starting. Once the dough is ready, it's time to create the garlic olive oil sauce. This sauce typically includes grated or minced garlic infused in olive oil, along with additional ingredients like pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, shallots, and rosemary. The sauce can be customised to your taste preferences and is incredibly versatile.
After preparing the sauce, it's time to assemble the pizza. Spread a thin layer of the garlic olive oil sauce over the pizza dough, creating a flavourful base. Then, add your choice of cheese. Popular options include mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and burrata. You can also sprinkle on some pecorino or pistachios for an extra salty or nutty flavour. The cheese layer adds a creamy texture and balances the flavours.
Finally, you can add additional toppings to your white pizza. Fresh basil leaves are a popular choice, providing a burst of colour and a refreshing taste. You can also add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or herbs. If you're feeling adventurous, try toppings like sausage, roasted chicken breast, or even clams. Once you've added your desired toppings, it's time to bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
White pizza with olive oil and garlic is a delightful alternative to traditional red sauce pizzas, offering endless customisation options and a unique flavour profile. It's a favourite among pizza enthusiasts and a testament to the creativity of pizza makers worldwide.
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White pizza is made with white cheeses
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. Instead, it is typically made with a base of olive oil, garlic, and white cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. The term "white pizza" refers to the absence of tomato sauce, which gives the pizza its characteristic white colour.
The specific cheeses used in a white pizza can vary depending on regional preferences and personal taste. For example, in New York, it is common to find white pizzas made with mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, while in other regions, a blend of mozzarella and pizza cheese may be used. Some people also like to add other types of cheese, such as pecorino or provolone, to create a unique flavour profile.
The preparation of the cheese can also vary. Some people prefer to use shredded or diced fresh mozzarella, while others opt for whole milk ricotta to achieve a creamier texture. It is also recommended to freshly grate the cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese to achieve the best texture and flavour.
In addition to the cheese, white pizza is often topped with herbs such as basil, oregano, or Italian herb blends. Some people also like to add vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms to their white pizza.
White pizza is a versatile dish that can be customised to personal preferences. It offers a great alternative to traditional red sauce pizzas and allows for creative combinations of cheeses and toppings.
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White pizza is also known as pizza bianca
White pizza, or pizza bianca in Italian, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. The pizza generally consists of pizza dough, olive oil, garlic, cheese, salt, and sometimes vegetables such as spinach, tomato, and herbs. A béchamel sauce is sometimes used in place of tomato sauce, and sliced tomatoes may be added as toppings.
Pizza bianca, which translates to "white pizza" in Italian, is a classic Italian dish that originated in Rome. It is characterized by its golden-brown dough topped with a blend of cheeses, greens, and a drizzle of olive oil. The name "pizza bianca" hints at its distinguishing feature, the absence of tomatoes in any form.
The base of a pizza bianca is typically spread with a mixture of ricotta and Parmesan cheese, which serves as a substitute for the traditional tomato sauce. It is then topped with salty pancetta cubes, creamy grated mozzarella, and wild rocket. The use of ricotta and Parmesan creates a creamy contrast with the chewy crust, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Pizza bianca offers a sophisticated and classy dining option while remaining just as easy to prepare as traditional pizza. It is highly customizable, allowing individuals to select their preferred cheeses and toppings. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for entertaining or parties, as it can cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
In addition to its culinary appeal, pizza bianca holds a unique place in Italian culture. According to tradition, bakers in Rome would use dough to test the temperature of their ovens before baking loaves of bread. This practice laid the foundation for what we now know as pizza bianca.
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Frequently asked questions
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is a style of pizza that does not use tomato sauce. The base is made with pizza dough, olive oil, and garlic. It is then topped with cheese, salt, and sometimes vegetables or herbs.
The cheese used on a white pizza varies, but it is typically a white cheese such as mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, or pecorino.
You can add various toppings to a white pizza, such as spinach, mushrooms, olives, basil, or arugula. You can also add balsamic glaze, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste.
