Delicious White Pizza with Prosciutto: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

When the air turns crisp and you’re craving comfort food without the heaviness of traditional tomato-based pizza, a White Pizza with Prosciutto offers the perfect solution. This elegant twist on a beloved favorite is ideal for cozy nights in, casual dinner parties, or even a romantic evening with a glass of wine. Its creamy base, delicate flavors, and satisfying saltiness from the prosciutto make it a standout dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

The inspiration for this white pizza comes from the traditional Italian “pizza bianca”, which skips the tomato sauce in favor of a rich, garlicky cream or cheese base. While pizza bianca has deep roots in Roman street food culture, this version elevates the concept by pairing it with the savory sophistication of thinly sliced prosciutto, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet refreshingly light—perfect for those moments when you want something both comforting and refined.

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What Is White Pizza?

White pizza, or pizza bianca, is a style of pizza that forgoes the traditional tomato sauce in favor of a white base, typically made from olive oil, garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella. It’s loved for its creamy, garlicky flavor and for how well it pairs with a wide variety of toppings—from vegetables to meats to herbs.

In this recipe, we enhance the base with a touch of Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs for depth and aroma, and then top it off with prosciutto, which crisps up beautifully in the oven and adds a salty, savory finish.

Why You’ll Love This White Pizza with Prosciutto

• No tomato sauce needed – Great for those who want to avoid acidity or simply prefer a creamier base.

• Easy yet gourmet – Minimal ingredients with a luxurious outcome.

• Versatile – Add your favorite greens, cheeses, or drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze.

• Elegant presentation – Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring this pizza to life:

For the Dough:

• 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade

• All-purpose flour, for dusting

For the White Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 4–6 slices prosciutto

• 1/4 cup caramelized onions (optional)

• Fresh arugula or basil, for garnish

• Olive oil, for brushing the crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. A hot surface ensures a crisp, golden crust.

If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes so it’s easier to stretch.

2. Make the White Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, roll or stretch your dough into a 12–14 inch round. If it resists stretching, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before trying again.

Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet for easy transfer to the oven.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by torn strips of prosciutto. Add caramelized onions if using.

Brush the exposed crust with olive oil to promote a beautiful golden color.

5. Bake to Perfection

Slide the parchment with the pizza onto the hot stone or preheated baking sheet.

Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in spots.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Top with a handful of fresh arugula or basil for a peppery, herbal contrast.

Slice and serve warm.

Tips for the Best White Pizza with Prosciutto

• Use high-moisture mozzarella for that perfect stretchy melt.

• Don’t overload the pizza with toppings—less is more when balancing delicate flavors.

• Add prosciutto before or after baking depending on your preference. Baking crisps it up; adding it afterward keeps it silky and soft.

• Experiment with cheese combos—Fontina, goat cheese, or Gruyère can all work beautifully.

• Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Optional Add-Ons and Variations

• Mushrooms: Sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms add earthy flavor.

• Figs or Pears: Thin slices complement the saltiness of the prosciutto and pair wonderfully with the creamy base.

• Hot Honey Drizzle: A sweet and spicy contrast that enhances every bite.

• Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.

• Fresh Burrata: Replace mozzarella for an ultra-creamy finish.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Pair your white pizza with a glass of:

• Pinot Grigio – Crisp and clean, it won’t overpower the flavors.

• Prosecco – The bubbles and subtle sweetness offer a lively contrast.

• Chardonnay – A buttery white works well with the creamy base and prosciutto.

Making It Ahead of Time

Want to prep this pizza ahead of time? You can:

• Make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

• Prepare the white sauce and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Assemble the pizza without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking fresh.

Just be sure to let the pizza come to room temperature before it goes into the hot oven.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• In the oven: Bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

• In a skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a lid to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melted.

• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy.

Why This Recipe Works

This white pizza hits all the right notes—creamy, salty, savory, and crisp. It’s an elevated yet approachable way to enjoy pizza without the heaviness of red sauce. The prosciutto delivers richness, while the ricotta-Parmesan base keeps things smooth and mellow.

Best of all, it’s customizable. You can use it as a canvas for seasonal ingredients or keep it simple and let the foundational flavors shine.

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