The Mystery Of White Pizza: What Cheeses Melt Best?

White pizza, or Pizza Bianca, is a pizza without a tomato sauce base. Instead, it is often topped with olive oil, garlic, and a variety of cheeses. The cheeses used in white pizza include ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese, provolone, and blue cheese. Some white pizzas may also include a white sauce such as bechamel, creme fraiche, or alfredo.

Mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan

Mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan are a popular combination of cheeses used in white pizzas.

A white pizza is typically defined by its lack of tomato sauce, and while some varieties may include a white sauce, such as bechamel, creme fraiche, or alfredo, mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan are often used without any sauce at all.

To make a pizza with these three cheeses, start by brushing a layer of olive oil on your pizza dough. You can also add some garlic and rosemary to the oil for extra flavor. Next, spread a layer of ricotta cheese on the dough, followed by mozzarella and parmesan. You can also add some Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will only take about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven.

And that's it! You now have a delicious and cheesy white pizza to enjoy.

Olive oil, shredded hard aged cheese and a drizzle of heavy cream

A white pizza typically refers to a pizza without a tomato sauce base. However, the term is quite broad and can include pizzas with a range of different sauces or no sauce at all.

One variety of white pizza includes olive oil, shredded hard aged cheese, and a drizzle of heavy cream. This type of pizza can be made in several ways and with a variety of toppings. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating your own delicious white pizza:

Dough

You can make your own dough or buy ready-to-bake refrigerated pizza dough from a grocery store. If you're making your own dough, consider adding some garlic and rosemary straight into the dough for extra flavor. Prebake the crust for about 5 minutes if you prefer a crispier texture.

Sauce

For the sauce, combine olive oil with herbs such as rosemary and garlic. You can also add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Brush this mixture onto your pizza crust, creating a flavorful base for your toppings.

Cheese

The star of this pizza is the shredded hard aged cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses that fall into this category, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or a mix of multiple cheeses. Feel free to shred your own cheese, as it tends to melt better and has a more authentic texture and taste than pre-shredded options.

For an extra indulgent touch, add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the shredded cheese layer. This will create a creamy, luscious element to your pizza.

Toppings

Before baking, drizzle a small amount of heavy cream over the cheese layer. This will enhance the richness of the pizza. You can also add a variety of toppings to complement the flavors. Some suggestions include:

• Chopped fresh parsley for a bright, crunchy element
• Arugula and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for a tangy, fresh twist
• Fried prosciutto for a savory, crispy texture
• Sliced mushrooms or other vegetables of your choice

Baking

Bake your pizza in a preheated oven at a temperature between 450-500°F. The baking time will depend on your oven and the type of baking sheet or pizza stone you're using. For a crispier crust, aim for a baking time of around 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the cheese is melted.

Serving

Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld. Slice and serve while it's still hot!

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs, cheeses, and toppings to create your own unique white pizza. Enjoy the process of crafting this delicious dish, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Bechamel sauce

White pizza, or Pizza Bianca, is a New York-style pizza that forgoes the traditional tomato sauce in favour of a white sauce, such as béchamel, or olive oil.

Béchamel is a creamy French sauce that is used in many dishes, including lasagne, moussaka, and mac and cheese. It is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, to which milk is gradually added and whisked until smooth and thickened. The sauce is then seasoned with salt and nutmeg.

Béchamel is a mother sauce, which means it is one of the building blocks of classic French cuisine, and can be used as a base for other sauces. For example, béchamel with cheese is known as Mornay sauce.

To make a béchamel sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for around 7 minutes until the mixture turns a light, golden, sandy colour. Increase the heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10-20 minutes, until the flour has softened and no longer tastes gritty. Season with salt and nutmeg to taste.

White pizza is made by spreading béchamel sauce, or olive oil, over pizza dough, and topping with cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. The pizza is then baked until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

New York-style: garlicky, greasy and topped with mozzarella

New York-style white pizza is garlicky, greasy, and topped with mozzarella. To make it, start by stretching or rolling out your dough into a 12- to 14-inch circle, then transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork and brush it with extra-virgin olive oil, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges.

Next, sprinkle on some minced garlic and spread it out with your hands. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer. Then, add your choice of dried Italian herb blend (such as rosemary and oregano), red chile flakes, and salt. Finally, top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Once you've added all your toppings, it's time to bake your pizza. Place it in the oven and cook until the crust is golden and the cheese has browned in spots. This usually takes around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your oven and the type of baking sheet or pan you're using.

If you want to add some extra flavour, you can finish your pizza with some chopped fresh parsley or other herbs. Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Now you know how to make a New York-style white pizza! It's a simple yet delicious option for pizza night.

Goat's cheese, mozzarella, white cheddar and parmesan

White pizza is a pizza without a tomato sauce base. The defining feature of a white pizza is, therefore, the cheese.

A combination of goats' cheese, mozzarella, white cheddar, and parmesan creates the right amount of stretchy, melty, cheesy goodness with a ton of flavor. The goat cheese crumbles add pops of tangy flavor, while the mozzarella provides excellent gooey meltability. The sharpness and fattiness of the cheddar blend well with the crumbled, tangy gems of goat cheese, and the parmesan adds a salty dusting to finish.

For a truly authentic New York-style pizza, you can top your pizza with mozzarella and parmesan, and add dollops of ricotta.

When it comes to preparing your pizza, it's best to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect taste, texture, and meltability. Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.

If you're using a pizza stone, it's best to preheat your oven to a high temperature for at least 30 minutes. You can also use a baking tray, but make sure it's preheated and inverted to make it easier to transfer your pizza.

For a thin, crispy crust, it's best to hand-stretch your pizza dough. Start by pressing down in the middle of the dough ball to flatten it, keeping a thicker outside edge for the crust. Dust your work surface and the dough with flour to prevent sticking, and use your hands to gently stretch the dough into a circle.

Once your dough is stretched, it's time to add the toppings. Start with a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar, followed by the goat cheese crumbles. Then, add any additional toppings you like—broccoli, thinly sliced tomatoes, chicken, steak, or onions are all great options. Finish with a dusting of parmesan cheese, making sure to get some on the edges of the crust.

Bake your pizza for 2-3 minutes, then rotate it and bake for another 2-3 minutes. Finish it off under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese and crust are as browned as you like.

Let your pizza cool for a minute, then slice and serve. Enjoy the ultimate cheesy delight!

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