Unlike traditional pizzas with red sauce, white pizza features a garlic-infused olive oil base and a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta. Ina’s version adds a lightly dressed arugula salad on top after baking, creating a perfect balance between rich and refreshing.
For the pizza base:
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Olive oil, for brushing
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup fresh ricotta
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the arugula topping:
4 cups baby arugula
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 10–12-inch circle and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and evenly spread the minced garlic over the surface.
Sprinkle the mozzarella over the dough, dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
In a bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Remove pizza from the oven and let it sit for 2 minutes. Top with the dressed arugula and shave Parmesan on top if desired. Slice and serve immediately.