This Easy Herb White Pizza Sauce is creamy and full of fresh flavors! With ingredients like garlic, herbs, and cheese, it makes your pizza nights feel special.
It’s super simple to whip up in just a few minutes. I love spreading it on pizza dough and getting creative with toppings. You’ll want to make extra for dipping too! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This is the base of the sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, try cottage cheese or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk. Both can give you that creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or whole milk can work too. It might not be as rich, but you’ll still get a nice creaminess.
Grated Parmesan: While Parmesan is ideal, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast if you’re aiming for a vegan option.
Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the amount since dried herbs have a stronger flavor. You can also try using oregano or thyme in their place.
Mushrooms: If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, you could swap them for spinach, artichokes, or even bell peppers. Each will bring a different flavor while keeping that freshness alive.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Well Mixed?
Making this sauce involves combining the cheese and herbs in just the right way to avoid lumps. Start by mixing the ricotta with a fork to lighten it up before adding other ingredients. Here’s how:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta and heavy cream. Stir well until smooth.
- Add the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and the herbs.
- Mix until everything is evenly distributed, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
- If it’s too thick, a splash of cream or milk can help loosen it up!
This technique ensures that every bite of your pizza is creamy and packed with herb flavor!
How to Make Easy Herb White Pizza Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Additional cheese (mozzarella or goat cheese) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pizza takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying this delicious herb white pizza in about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) or follow the specific instructions for your pizza dough if you’re using a store-bought option. A hot oven helps achieve that perfect crispy crust!
2. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until it’s smooth and well-combined, then set this delicious sauce aside.
3. Prepare Pizza Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you like a thin crust, roll it out thinner; for a thicker crust, keep it a bit sturdier. Now, transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Spread the Sauce:
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the herb white pizza sauce over the dough. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges where the crust will form.
5. Add Toppings:
If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle the sliced mushrooms over the sauce. Then, drizzle a little olive oil on top. Finish by adding slices of your choice of additional cheese, whether it’s mozzarella or crumbled goat cheese. The more, the merrier!
6. Bake:
Carefully place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake it for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden crust and melted, bubbly cheese. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some more fresh herbs on top. Now, slice it up and enjoy your tasty herb white pizza with friends or family!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cheese Instead of Ricotta?
Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta if you’re looking to reduce calories, but keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess of the sauce. If you want to maintain a smoother texture, consider blending the low-fat option with a bit of cream to mimic the richness of traditional ricotta.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the herb white pizza sauce a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir and spread it on your pizza dough as usual.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option, or make your own by combining milk and butter (use 3/4 cup milk mixed with 1/4 cup melted butter for 1 cup of heavy cream). Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich, but it will still be delicious!
How do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store any leftover pizza, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness!
