EZ Pizza Dough

Pizza Recipe

White Pizza — Ricotta & Mozzarella Recipe

A simple New York-style white pizza with a crisp, chewy crust, a light garlic-oil base, creamy ricotta, whole-milk mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Makes one 14-inch pizza48–72 hour cold ferment

Dough Ingredients

Amounts for one 14-inch pizza.

  • Bread or High-Gluten Flour193 g
  • Cold Water122 g
  • Active Dry Yeast0.4 g
  • Salt4.8 g
  • Sugar2.9 g
  • Olive Oil3.9 g

How to Make the Dough

  1. Add the cold water, yeast, and sugar to the mixing bowl; stir to combine.
  2. Add the flour and mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest 15–20 minutes.
  3. Add the salt and knead until the dough begins to smooth out, then add the olive oil and continue kneading until smooth and elastic with a final dough temperature of 72–75°F.
  4. Cover and rest at room temperature until the dough has risen about 25–50%, usually 1–2 hours.
  5. Divide into equal portions and shape into tight, smooth dough balls.
  6. Place seam-side down in lightly greased covered containers and refrigerate for 48–72 hours.
  7. Remove from the refrigerator 2–3 hours before baking and keep covered until relaxed and near room temperature.
  8. Stretch gently by hand, preserving a narrow rim; do not use a rolling pin.

Garlic Oil Base

One small batch makes enough for about 4–6 pizzas. Refrigerate for up to 4 days and bring to room temperature before using.

  • Extra-virgin olive oil1/4 cup
  • Garlic2 cloves, finely grated or minced
  • Kosher salt1/4 tsp
  • Black pepper1/8 tsp, optional
  1. 1. Stir the olive oil, garlic, salt, and optional black pepper together.
  2. 2. Let stand for at least 10 minutes so the garlic can flavor the oil.
  3. 3. Brush on the dough very lightly; too much oil can make the center heavy.

Toppings for One Pizza

Amounts for one 14-inch pizza.

  • Prepared garlic oil1 tbsp
  • Low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella6–7 oz
  • Whole-milk ricotta4.5–5.5 oz
  • Finely grated Parmesan0.5–1 oz
  • Black pepperA light sprinkle

Make It Fancy (Optional)

  • Herby: Finish with torn basil, chopped parsley, or chives after baking.
  • Bright: Add a little finely grated lemon zest after baking.
  • Spicy-Sweet: Finish with crushed red-pepper flakes or a light drizzle of hot honey.
  • Savory: Add well-drained sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic before baking.
  • Peppery: Top the baked pizza with lightly dressed arugula and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Extra Cheesy: Replace up to 2 ounces of the mozzarella with fontina for a richer melt.

Assembly and Baking

  1. Place a pizza steel or stone in the upper-middle portion of the oven and preheat at the oven's highest setting for at least 45–60 minutes.
  2. Stretch the dough to the selected diameter while preserving a slightly thicker outer rim.
  3. Brush the dough lightly with garlic oil, leaving the outer rim uncovered.
  4. Spread the mozzarella evenly, add small spoonfuls of ricotta, then finish with Parmesan and black pepper.
  5. Bake for about 6–10 minutes, rotating once if needed, until the underside is crisp, the rim is browned, and the cheese is bubbling.
  6. Rest for about 2 minutes before slicing, then add any optional finishing toppings.