Description
This Garlic Bread Crust White Pizza features a homemade soft yet crispy garlic-infused crust topped with a luscious blend of provolone, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses, finished with fresh lemon zest, a hint of red pepper flakes, and optional peppery arugula for a bright, fresh contrast. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this pizza combines rich, savory flavors with a subtle citrus kick.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 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 garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or very finely minced
- 2 cups freshly grated provolone cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) ball fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated or sliced into thin ribbons
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 cups baby arugula greens (optional)
- Lemon juice from the lemon above (for arugula dressing)
- Pinch of salt and pepper (for arugula dressing)
- Olive oil (for brushing dough surface)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, honey, and olive oil. Stir gently and let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy, approximately 10 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together but remains sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour with your hands for several minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Lightly oil the same bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and place it back on the floured surface. Roll out or shape the dough with your hands into your desired form (such as a heart shape or rectangle). Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza pan. Cover again with the towel and let rest in a warm place for 10 minutes to relax the dough.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F if using a baking sheet or pan. For a pizza stone, preheat the oven to 475°F and let the stone heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure crisp baking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the entire surface of the dough generously with olive oil, reaching all the edges. Evenly distribute the pressed garlic across the crust by brushing it around. Sprinkle the grated provolone cheese evenly over the surface, followed by the sliced or torn fresh mozzarella. Add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with grated parmigiano-reggiano. Top with freshly grated lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes on the baking sheet or for 15 to 20 minutes if using a pizza stone until the cheese turns golden and bubbles delightfully. Remove the pizza from the oven and optionally sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Add Greens (Optional): If desired, toss the baby arugula with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Scatter this mixture on top of the warm pizza to add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich cheeses.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for more developed flavor.
- Using a pizza stone can improve the crust crispiness but requires preheating for at least 30 minutes.
- Fresh garlic is essential for the garlic bread crust flavor; avoid garlic powder in the topping for best taste.
- If arugula is not preferred, fresh basil or spinach can be used as alternative greens.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste based on your heat preference.
- For a crispier crust, bake longer but watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
