Name: Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (12- to 14-inch) pizza dough; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces; ¾ cup ricotta cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, for pizza peel); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 66 reviews

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If you’re on the lookout for a pizza that is both indulgently cheesy and full of bright, fresh flavors, this Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine a golden, crisp crust layered with a creamy, garlicky ricotta spread, topped with tender broccoli florets, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, creating a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. This pizza embraces a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making it a delicious vegetarian option that satisfies every craving without a hint of heaviness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a smooth, round ball of dough is placed on the right side of a white marbled textured surface. Next to it, on the upper right, there is another white bowl with bright green broccoli florets. On the top left, a wooden board holds three small white bowls: one filled with creamy white ricotta cheese, one with light yellow shredded mozzarella cheese, and the smallest bowl showing a mix of black pepper, salt, and dried herbs. In front of the wooden board, near the bottom left corner, there is a glass container with olive oil and red pepper flakes inside. In the top right corner of the image, a whole garlic bulb rests on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this pizza is wonderfully simple, yet each element plays a key part in building the final masterpiece. From the creamy ricotta that provides a luscious base, to the fresh broccoli adding color and crunch, every item is essential for that perfect bite.

Pizza dough: Choose a 12- to 14-inch dough that bakes up crisp and chewy – the foundation for your pizza.
Olive oil: A tablespoon for tossing the broccoli, imparting subtle richness and helping to soften it slightly.
Broccoli florets: About 1½ cups, chopped small to ensure every slice has that lovely green pop and tender crispness.
Ricotta cheese: Three-quarters of a cup, combined with garlic to make a creamy, flavorful pizza base.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced finely to infuse the ricotta with a vibrant kick.
Mozzarella cheese: One and a half cups shredded to melt beautifully into a gooey, comforting layer.
Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup grated, sprinkled on top for salty, nutty depth and an appealing crust when baked.
Dried oregano: Half a teaspoon for a touch of fragrant herbaceous flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A quarter teaspoon if you love a gentle, warming heat.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning the broccoli and the entire pizza for balanced flavor.
Cornmeal (optional): One tablespoon for dusting your pizza peel or parchment, preventing sticking and adding a crisp underside.
Fresh basil or parsley: Finely chopped for a bright, fresh garnish that finishes the pizza with a pop of herbal color.

How to Make Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). It’s best to place a pizza stone or a sturdy baking sheet inside while the oven heats up; this helps achieve that crisp, golden crust we all crave. Meanwhile, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper to coat them evenly – this small step enhances their natural flavor and ensures they roast beautifully on the pizza.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic Ricotta Spread

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the minced garlic. This mixture will be your creamy, aromatic base layer that sets your pizza apart from any other white pizza you’ve tried. The garlic infuses the mild ricotta, giving each bite a subtle but unmistakable savory punch that complements the cheese and broccoli perfectly.

Step 3: Shape and Prep the Dough

Stretch your pizza dough gently into a 12- to 14-inch round, taking care not to tear it. Place it on a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal, which helps slide your pizza into the oven with ease and gives a delightfully crisp texture to the bottom crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the garlic ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges for a beautiful crust. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the ricotta. Then, distribute the olive oil-coated broccoli florets evenly on top. Finally, add a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for just a touch of heat.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza onto your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, slightly golden cheese topping. Once baked, remove carefully from the oven and let the pizza rest for a few minutes—it helps the cheese settle and makes slicing easier.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top. Not only does this add a lovely splash of green, but the herbal freshness balances out the rich cheeses and roasted broccoli wonderfully. Slice up your Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe and serve while it’s warm and inviting.

How to Serve Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe

A round pizza with a thick golden brown crust is topped with a creamy white sauce base covered by melted white cheese. Small, bright green broccoli florets are spread evenly over the cheese, giving a fresh pop of color. Thin slices of garlic are sprinkled lightly across the surface, adding texture. A woman's hand is holding a wooden-handled pizza spatula, lifting a single triangular slice away from the whole pizza. The pizza rests on a dark round pizza pan placed on a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a wooden paddle board holding a stack of clean white plates with a black-handled pizza cutter on top. Nearby, a small white bowl contains a few fresh green basil leaves and some basil leaves are scattered around it. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley elevate the dish with a burst of color and brightness. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze can add a subtle complexity that complements the creamy and cheesy elements superbly.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, which adds a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm soup can also round out the meal nicely, making for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family pizza night, serve this Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe alongside bowls of extra toppings like caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, or even a drizzle of hot honey for guests to customize their slices. It’s a fantastic way to make the experience interactive and full of flavor variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight. Just be sure to reheat it properly to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza keeps well for up to one month. Be sure to separate slices with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your pizza in a hot skillet on the stove or in a preheated oven at 375°F until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving tends to make the crust chewy or soggy, so avoid that if you can.

FAQs

Can I blanch the broccoli before using it?

Absolutely! Blanching the broccoli for about one minute before tossing it with olive oil is a great way to ensure it’s tender but still vibrant in color. This step is optional, depending on whether you prefer a softer texture.

Is this Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe is not vegan as it relies heavily on cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. However, you can experiment with vegan cheeses or cashew-based ricotta alternatives to make a dairy-free version.

Can I add other vegetables to this pizza?

Definitely! Adding roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even fresh spinach works wonderfully and adds extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the toppings to your preference and enjoy the versatility.

What type of pizza dough works best?

A simple store-bought or homemade pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Look for dough that is elastic and easy to stretch, baking up with a nice balance of crunch and chew.

Can I prepare parts of this pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic ricotta spread and chop the broccoli florets a few hours before assembling. Just keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake, making your pizza night even easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Broccoli White Pizza with Garlic Ricotta and Cheese Recipe—it’s a delightful way to enjoy a vegetarian meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. I encourage you to give it a try for your next pizza night; it’s sure to wow your taste buds and perhaps even convert a few broccoli skeptics along the way. Once you experience the creamy ricotta, roasted broccoli, and gooey mozzarella combination, this recipe will very likely become a beloved staple in your home.

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