Name: White Pizza with Garlic Sauce and Garden Herbs.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/8 cups warm water; 3 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons flour ((for thickening the sauce)); 3/4 cup half and half; 6 cloves garlic ((minced)); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 cup freshly grated provolone cheese; 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated fontina cheese; 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese ((plus extra for sprinkling)); 2 balls burrata; 1 bunch fresh herbs ((for topping: oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme))

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of pizza, especially when it’s topped with creamy cheeses and vibrant herbs. This White Pizza with Garlic Sauce and Garden Herbs is a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a velvety garlic sauce that serves as the foundation for an array of fresh flavors. With each bite, you’ll experience the harmony of rich cheeses and the aromatic touch of herbs, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this pizza will surely impress your guests and family alike.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– The creamy garlic sauce is completely irresistible and serves as the perfect base.
– A blend of cheeses creates a rich and gooey topping that satisfies pizza cravings.
– Fresh garden herbs elevate the flavor profile, giving the pizza a bright and aromatic finish.
– Easy to make at home, this recipe allows you to enjoy a gourmet pizza experience without leaving your kitchen.

What You’ll Gather

1 1/8 cups warm water
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening the sauce)
3/4 cup half and half
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup freshly grated provolone cheese
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated fontina cheese
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
2 balls burrata
A bunch of fresh herbs for topping: oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme

Equipment Breakdown

Mixing bowl – for combining the dough ingredients.
Rolling pin – to roll out the pizza dough.
Baking sheet or pizza stone – for baking the pizza to crispy perfection.
Small saucepan – to prepare the garlic sauce.
Grater – for freshly grating the cheeses.
Sharp knife – for chopping fresh herbs.

Method: White Pizza with Garlic Sauce and Garden Herbs.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix in the Olive Oil and Flour

Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the half and half, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface again and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.

Step 7: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a slight border around the edges. Sprinkle the provolone, mozzarella, and fontina cheeses generously on top. Tear the burrata balls and distribute them over the cheese layer, allowing their creamy texture to blend with the other cheeses.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and add a pinch of extra salt and pepper if desired. Finally, scatter the fresh herbs—oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme—over the pizza for a burst of flavor.

Step 9: Bake Your Pizza

Carefully place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it up, and be sure to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top before serving. Enjoy your White Pizza with Garlic Sauce and Garden Herbs hot!

Year-Round Variations

Add seasonal vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Try different cheese blends such as goat cheese or ricotta for a unique twist.
Incorporate spicy elements like red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick.
Experiment with different fresh herbs depending on the season—try dill or chives for a fresh take.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your dough doesn’t rise, ensure the water was warm (not hot) and the yeast was fresh.
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
If the garlic sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more half and half until desired consistency is reached.
To avoid burnt cheese, cover the pizza loosely with foil if it browns too quickly in the oven.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Allow any leftover pizza to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

Questions People Ask

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and can be used in place of homemade dough. Just follow the package instructions for preparation.

What can I substitute for half and half in the garlic sauce?

You can use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream as a substitute for half and half, or simply use full-fat milk for a lighter version.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake the pizza on a hot pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce and toppings.

Can I freeze the pizza?

Yes! You can freeze the pizza before baking. Assemble the pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer and bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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See You at the Table

Creating this White Pizza with Garlic Sauce and Garden Herbs is a labor of love that truly pays off in flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy the process of making your own dough and sauce, and savor every cheesy, herbaceous bite. As you gather around the table with friends and family, this pizza will surely become a favorite in your home. Bon appétit!