This crispy creamy Homemade Italian Ricotta Pizza Recipe is made with fresh dough, whole milk ricotta, and ready in 30 minutes. Pulling a hot slice reveals warm dollops of cheese melting gently into the bubbly mozzarella base. I always look forward to making this simple white pie on busy weeknights.
Try More Pizza Recipes:
Jump to RecipeWhy You Will Love This Homemade Italian Ricotta Pizza Recipe:
- Creamy and Luxurious Texture: Unlike standard mozzarella-only pizzas, dollops of ricotta create soft, pillowy clouds of cheese that melt in your mouth and provide a rich contrast to the crispy crust.
- Mild and Versatile Base: The delicate, milky flavor of fresh ricotta acts as a perfect canvas, allowing other toppings like fresh basil, lemon zest, or spicy salami to truly shine.
- Lighter Feeling: Ricotta adds a fresh, airy quality to the pizza, making it feel less heavy than pizzas weighed down by thick layers of heavier, aged cheeses.
- Elegant Gourmet Appeal: There is an artisanal, restaurant-style quality to a white pizza (pizza bianca) topped with ricotta that instantly elevates a standard pizza night.
- Quick and Easy Prep: Since ricotta doesn’t require shredding or complex preparation, you can simply dollop it straight onto the dough, saving time during assembly.
- Beautiful Visual Contrast: The bright white spots of ricotta against a golden crust and green herbs make for a stunning, photogenic meal that looks as good as it tastes.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Its subtle, sweet creaminess is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for picky eaters.
Homemade Italian Ricotta Pizza Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
How To Make Homemade Italian Ricotta Pizza
- Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone inside the oven and preheat to 475F.
- Stretch the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
- Oil the base: Brush the stretched dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with the minced garlic.
- Add the cheeses: Scatter the mozzarella over the base, then spoon dollops of ricotta evenly across the top.
- Bake the pizza: Sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper, then bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, slice, and serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Use whole milk ricotta: Skim milk versions lack the rich texture needed for a good white pizza.
- Drain wet cheese: If your ricotta looks watery, strain it through a mesh sieve for ten minutes before using.
- Preheat the stone: A blazing hot pizza stone ensures the bottom crust gets perfectly crisp.
What To Serve With Ricotta Pizza?
To balance the creamy, mild profile of ricotta pizza, serve it with a shaved fennel and citrus salad or a peppery arugula mix. The acidity and crunch provide a refreshing contrast to the soft cheese. For a savory side, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or garlic-roasted broccolini adds a nice depth. To lean into the Italian theme, an antipasto plate with spicy salami and olives works perfectly. Finish the meal with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet, spicy kick.
How To Store Leftovers Ricotta Pizza?
Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the bottom crust again.
How To Reheat Leftovers Ricotta Pizza?
The Skillet Method (Best Texture): This is the most effective way to restore the “fresh out of the oven” snap. Place your cold pizza slices in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the pan with a lid or a piece of foil for about 3–5 minutes. The lid traps enough heat to gently warm the delicate ricotta dollops, while the direct contact with the pan ensures the bottom of the crust stays perfectly crisp.
The Oven Method (Best for Multiple Slices): Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet or directly on the wire rack for a crispier result. To prevent the ricotta from drying out or forming a skin, you can lightly tent the pizza with aluminum foil. Bake for 5–7 minutes until the crust is warm and the ricotta is soft and pillowy again.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves a lot of prep time.
- Should I season the ricotta first? You can mix a pinch of salt and pepper directly into the ricotta before dolloping it.
- Can I add meat to this? Crumbled Italian sausage or crispy prosciutto make excellent additions to this cheese base.
More Pizza Recipes:
- Italian Capricciosa Pizza Recipe
- Crispy Italian Stromboli Stuffed Bread Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Italian Focaccia Pizza
Homemade Italian Ricotta Pizza Recipe Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g
- Protein: 16g
Homemade Italian Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Course: Italian Pizza Recipes, Dinner, LunchCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium4
servings15
minutes15
minutes380
kcal30
minutesCreamy, crispy Ricotta Pizza with fresh mozzarella, garlic, and basil is ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner. Making this simple white pie at home is a great way to enjoy a classic without heavy red sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb pizza dough
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- 1. Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone inside the oven and preheat to 475F.
- 2. Stretch the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
- 3. Oil the base: Brush the stretched dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with the minced garlic.
- 4. Add the cheeses: Scatter the mozzarella over the base, then spoon dollops of ricotta evenly across the top.
- 5. Bake the pizza: Sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper, then bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.
- 6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, slice, and serve hot.
