Delicious Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe
Picture this: a pizza with a crispy crust, topped with creamy cheese, and fragrant garlic. Sounds irresistible, right? That’s exactly what I’m introducing to you today – the New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe.
Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like garlic and cheese on a white pizza. The combination of flavors is nothing short of magical – it’s the perfect mixture of sharpness from the cheese and pungency from the garlic. This recipe is sure to impress even the most skeptical pizza connoisseur.
But, what exactly is pizza bianca? It translates to “white pizza” – instead of tomato sauce, it relies on base ingredients like olive oil, garlic or ricotta cheese, and white cheeses like fontina or mozzarella. This dish originated in Italy but has become extremely popular in New York and New Haven-style pizzerias.
If you’re looking for a break from traditional tomato sauce pizzas, then this New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe is exactly what you need. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe is a true masterpiece that will leave you drooling for more. There are many reasons why you’ll love this pizza, but let me highlight a few.
Firstly, the crust is crispy and chewy with a slightly charred taste. The dough is made from scratch with high-quality ingredients and the perfect balance of flour, yeast, and water. The result is a crust that perfectly complements the rich and flavorful toppings.
Secondly, the cheese toppings are to die for. Pecorino Romano cheese, fontina, and mozzarella cheese come together to create the ultimate cheesy experience. The low moisture mozzarella cheese melts in your mouth while the pecorino romano cheese provides a hint of saltiness that will make your mouth water.
Thirdly, the recipe’s garlic flavor is heavenly. Fresh garlic cloves and garlic confit are strategically placed on top of the pizza to give you a burst of garlicky goodness in every bite. The garlic also balances out the richness of the cheese to create an indulgent yet not overwhelming flavor profile.
Finally, this white pizza translates to “pizza bianca” in Italian- meaning ‘White Pizza.’ It is like nothing you have ever tasted before! This recipe is perfect for enjoying with friends while sipping a glass of wine or as an indulgent treat after a long day at work.
Trust me when I say this – once you try this New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe, it will become your new favorite pizza recipe ever!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this delicious New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe:
Pizza Dough:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Active dry yeast (1/4 ounce package)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Lukewarm water (1 cup)
Garlic Confits:
- Garlic cloves (10 cloves)
- Olive oil (1/2 cup)
Pizza Toppings:
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded (8 oz)
- Fontina cheese, shredded (4 oz)
- Pecorino Romano cheese, grated (2 oz)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (2 oz)
If you want to make it extra special, you can also add the following toppings:
- Burrata cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Clam sauce
- Garlic chicken
Don’t forget to have some dried oregano on hand for sprinkling on your pizza as a finishing touch.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone over the ingredient list, let’s move on to the recipe itself. I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca step-by-step.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The first step in making any great pizza is preparing the dough. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place it onto a baking sheet or pizza stone dusted with some cornmeal. The cornmeal will help prevent it from sticking while cooking.
Step 2: Spread the Flavorful Topping
Next, prepare the flavorful topping for your scrumptious bianca pizza by mixing four tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic cloves (at least 3). Then spread it generously over the pizza base with a pastry brush.
Step 3: Add Cheeses
Then sprinkle over some low moisture mozzarella cheese (around 4 ounces) and some grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 2 ounces). It’s time to cheese up your pie! Continue layering with sliced Fontina Cheese until fully covered.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Oregano
Add a sprinkle of dried oregano to taste, then top with sun-dried tomatoes cut into small pieces. If you prefer substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with another favorite ingredient such as clam sauce or garlic confit.
Step 5: Bake at High Temperature
Cook for about 10-15 minutes in an oven preheated to around 550°F until crispy and golden brown.
Serve while still hot and enjoy your aromatic garlic-cheese masterpiece!
You now have everything you need to make an amazing New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca at home.
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this New Haven-style garlic and cheese pizza bianca recipe is that it’s highly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Cheeses: While the recipe calls for a combination of pecorino romano, fontina and mozzarella cheese, you can substitute any white cheeses that you like. Consider using burrata cheese or ricotta cheese to add richness to the pizza. You can also experiment with low-moisture mozzarella cheese for a crispier crust.
– Toppings: If you’re looking for something other than garlic and cheese, consider trying toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers. For a seafood twist, add some clams or shrimp to the dish.
– Sauces: This recipe uses garlic confit oil as a sauce base. However, you can also use tomato sauce or clam sauce to create a different flavor profile for your pizza bianca.
– Vegetarian options: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply omit meat toppings and replace any animal rennet-based cheese with vegetarian alternatives.
By making these simple substitutions and variations, you can transform this classic pizza bianca recipe into something unique and personalized that suits your tastes perfectly.
Serving and Pairing
Pizza bianca is a delicious and versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Since this recipe features garlic cheese, I recommend pairing it with a refreshing salad to balance out the savory flavors. A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with a light dressing can add a zesty contrast to the creamy, cheesy base.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider serving your garlic cheese pizza bianca alongside a classic tomato soup. The bold and tangy taste of the tomato soup will cut through the rich and indulgent cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Pizza bianca is also perfect for casual entertaining or game day gatherings. Pair it with your favorite beers or serve it al fresco with a bottle of chilled white wine. A smooth Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will complement the creamy and delicate flavor profile.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your pizza bianca with something unexpected such as a fruity red wine or even a craft cocktail. Get creative and experiment with different flavor pairings to find what works best for your palate!
In summary, pizza bianca is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to enjoy anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for comfort food on a cozy night in or simply craving a slice of cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a culinary explorer, I’ve always believed that proper planning and preparation is key to creating a memorable meal. With this in mind, I recommend making this New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe ahead of time so that you can enjoy it whenever you want.
To make ahead, you can prepare the pizza dough, garlic confit, and cheese mixture up to three days in advance. Once you’ve assembled the pizza, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Remember to remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to ensure that it comes to room temperature.
When it comes to storing your pizza bianca, do so in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This will help prevent the pizza from becoming dry or stale. You can keep this pizza in the refrigerator for up to three days and in the freezer for up to two months.
And finally, reheating your garlic and cheese pizza bianca is simple too! All you need is an oven or toaster oven set at 350°F. Place the leftover slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them for about 8-10 minutes.
With these tips for preparing, storing, and reheating your New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe, you can enjoy delicious slices of pizza bianca anytime you want without sacrificing flavor or quality. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing a pizza bianca is a delicate process, requiring an attention to detail and a passion for perfection. As someone who has spent countless hours in search of the perfect garlic cheese pizza, I have learned that the little things can make all the difference. Here are my tips for creating the ultimate New Haven-style garlic and cheese pizza bianca.
1. Opt for high-quality cheeses
Like any good pizza, the quality of your ingredients will directly affect the final result. In this recipe, opting for high-quality pecorino romano cheese, fontina, and mozzarella cheese will elevate your garlic and cheese pizza bianca to a whole new level.
2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with garlic
To achieve that perfect balance between garlic flavor and aroma, try different techniques like roasting or confiting your garlic cloves. This allows you to control the level of intensity in the final product.
3. Use dried oregano for added depth
Dried oregano is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a hearty earthiness that complements the cheese and garlic perfectly. For best results, use high-quality dried oregano and adjust the amount to suit your taste.
4. Keep an eye on cooking time
While every oven is different, most New Haven-style garlic and cheese pizzas are cooked for 10-12 minutes at 425°F (218°C). Keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks – if it starts to brown too quickly or unevenly, adjust the temperature or move it around in the oven.
5. Experiment with toppings
This recipe is just the beginning – feel free to experiment with toppings to personalize your pizza bianca even more! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sliced chicken for a new twist on classic white pizza.
By following these simple tips, you’re sure to create a delicious pizza bianca that will be enjoyed by all who partake.
FAQ
As you start to make this garlic and cheese Pizza Bianca recipe, you may encounter a few questions along the way. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here are some FAQ to give you that extra hand and help you achieve remarkable results every time. So let’s dive in!
What is the secret to New Haven Pizza?
When it comes to pizza, the style from New Haven is known for its unique use of a coal-fired oven, setting it apart from its New York counterpart. To achieve a superior quality and flavor, the dough used in New Haven style is allowed to ferment for a longer period of time than the New York-style dough. This extended fermentation process results in a crust that is both crispier and more flavorful.
What is pizza bianca made of?
Are you tired of the usual tomato-based pizzas with overloaded toppings? Then, you might want to try a pizza bianca, which is known for its simplicity. This type of pizza does not have any tomato sauce or cheese and is essentially just a fresh-baked focaccia topped with a few basic ingredients like olive oil, salt, and sesame seeds or rosemary, if you’re up for some adventure. So, if you want to switch things up and explore a new take on pizza, give pizza bianca a try!
What is pizza bianco?
White pizza, also referred to as Pizza Bianca, is a delicious pizza variety that differs from the traditional pizza due to its absence of tomato or marinara sauce. Instead, it is topped with white cheeses, which gives it a sophisticated and elegant feel. Though it may seem complex, White pizza is as easy to make as any other pizza and offers endless customization options.
Why is it called a bianca pizza?
Pizza bianca is often mistaken for a traditional pizza due to its misleading name, despite the fact that it is more similar to a bread than to its famous Italian cousin. The dough for this delicacy is composed of basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil. It is then given plenty of time to rise, resulting in a light, airy texture.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are a fan of pizza and cheese or just looking for something new and delicious to try, the New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe is a must-have. This recipe is not only easy-to-follow, but it also has a unique, bold flavor that will leave you craving for more.
The combination of pecorino romano cheese, fontina, mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, olive oil, garlic cloves, sun-dried tomatoes, and burrata cheese creates a flavor explosion in your mouth that you won’t forget. The crispy crust with the perfect amount of char and the creamy yet savory toppings are what make this pizza unforgettable.
Moreover, this recipe offers flexibility in terms of ingredients substitutions and variations. You can customize it to fit your personal preference and use different types of cheese or toppings such as clams or chicken. Plus, it is perfect for any occasion from a weeknight dinner to a game day snack.
Overall, this New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe is an excellent addition to your recipe collection that will impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to prepare the best garlic cheese pizza bianca you’ve ever tasted! Don’t forget to share some with me – I’ll be waiting!
New Haven-Style Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bianca Recipe
Ingredients
- prepared pizza dough, for one 12-inch pizza
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese, torn in to smaller pieces
- 2 ounces thinly sliced italian fontina
- 1 tablespoon grated pecorino romano cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°; place a pizza stone on a rack in the lowest level of the oven.
- Place the dough on a floured surface; holding your hands flat, pat the ball out evenly with your fingers, lifting it and turning it over several times, until it reaches 12 inches in diameter (do not knead the dough or handle it any more than is necessary; if the dough seems sticky, dust it lightly with flour).
- Dust a pizza peel with flour; carefully transfer the circle of dough to the peel, reshaping it as needed.
- Shake the peel once or twice to make sure the dough does not stick; if it does, sprinkle the peel with more flour.
- Combine the oil, garlic, and oregano; arrange the mozzarella and fontina slices over the dough; sprinkle with the pecorino.
- Scatter the oil/garlic/oregano mixture over the cheese and drizzle with more oil.
- To slide the pizza onto the prepared baking stone, line up the edge of the peel with the back edge of the stone, then tilt the peel, jerking it gently to start the pizza moving.
- Once the edge of the pizza touches the stone, carefully pull back on the peel until the pizza is completely off.
- After the pizza is on the stone, do not move it until it firms up in 2-3 minutes.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is browned; remove the pizza to a cutting board; cut into wedges and serve.
- Alternative: before adding the cheese, scatter cooked broccoli florets or spinach over the dough.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.