White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes: A Culinary Masterpiece

Experience the delightful blend of herb-infused oil, creamy ricotta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and melted mozzarella on a perfectly baked pizza crust. This White Pizza Recipe with Roasted Tomatoes is a symphony of flavors and textures, promising to be a new family favorite.

There are days in the kitchen when everything flows effortlessly, and then there are those challenging streaks when even the simplest recipes seem to conspire against you. As a passionate home cook, I’ve had my share of culinary triumphs and, admittedly, a recent string of comical disasters. From ambitious dinner experiments that ended up in the compost bin to perfectly edible but utterly un-photogenic creations, it felt like my kitchen mojo had vanished.

Just recently, I embarked on preparing an Easter dinner, hoping to turn the tide. While most dishes were a success, my usually foolproof dinner rolls emerged flat and wrinkled. And a magnificent pavlova, envisioned as the grand finale and a future blog recipe, cracked dramatically upon exiting the oven. Despite its deliciousness, the visual imperfections meant it wouldn’t make its debut here today. But fear not, for even in the midst of minor culinary setbacks, there are always reliable, mouth-watering recipes to fall back on. This brings us to today’s star: a truly exceptional White Pizza, crafted before my recent string of kitchen mishaps, and a dish that never fails to impress.

Why This White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes Will Become Your Favorite

Pizza is a staple in many households, and ours is no exception. We’ve explored countless combinations, but this particular White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes holds a special place among my top choices. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. This recipe elevates the classic white pizza with simple yet powerful additions, transforming it into a gourmet delight perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

What makes this pizza truly stand out? It starts with a base of flavorful herb oil massaged into a perfectly baked crust, followed by a layer of rich, garlicky ricotta. But the true game-changer is the abundance of sweet, deeply caramelized roasted tomatoes. Roasting tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars, intensifying their flavor and creating a burst of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory cheeses and herbs. Topped with melty mozzarella, this pizza delivers an irresistible balance of textures and tastes.

The Magic of Perfectly Roasted Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes are an absolute revelation. They are surprisingly simple to make at home, requiring minimal effort but a little patience. The roasting process transforms ordinary plum tomatoes into tender, intensely sweet jewels bursting with concentrated flavor. They go from firm and bright to soft, slightly shriveled, and wonderfully succulent. This sweetness provides a fantastic contrast to the creamy ricotta and savory herbs on the pizza.

Tips for Roasting Tomatoes:

• Choose the Right Tomatoes: Plum tomatoes (Roma tomatoes) are ideal for roasting due to their firm flesh and lower water content, which helps them caramelize beautifully without becoming watery. Cherry or grape tomatoes can also be roasted whole for a different texture.
• Slice Evenly: Cut your plum tomatoes into approximately 1/2-inch slices to ensure even cooking. Seeding them helps prevent excess moisture on the pizza.
• Simple Seasoning: A generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sugar (to enhance caramelization), and a pinch of salt are all you need. The heat of the oven will do the rest.
• Single Layer: Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting, preventing that desirable caramelization. Use multiple baking sheets if necessary.
• Low and Slow: Roasting at a lower temperature (250°F) for a longer duration (around 2 hours) allows the tomatoes to slowly sweeten and soften, developing a deep, rich flavor.

Once you try these homemade roasted tomatoes, you’ll want to make extra batches. They are addictive straight from the baking sheet and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces and salads to sandwiches and omelets.

Crafting the Perfect White Pizza Experience

Beyond the roasted tomatoes, each component of this white pizza plays a crucial role in its overall deliciousness. From the crust to the final drizzle, every step is designed to build layers of flavor that will leave you craving more.

The Foundation: Your Pizza Crust

The crust is the canvas for your pizza masterpiece. You can opt for convenience with a high-quality store-bought pizza dough, or for a truly homemade touch, try your hand at a homemade pizza dough recipe. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s at room temperature before rolling it out for easy handling.

The Herb-Infused Oil

Instead of a traditional tomato sauce, this white pizza relies on a fragrant herb oil brushed directly onto the crust. This simple mixture of olive oil, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt infuses the dough with an aromatic base that sets the stage for the other toppings. It’s a subtle yet essential flavor layer that contributes to the pizza’s unique profile.

Creamy Ricotta: The Heart of the White Pizza

A generous layer of ricotta cheese forms the creamy core of this white pizza. For the best results, make sure your ricotta is well-drained to prevent a soggy crust. Mix it with minced garlic and a touch of salt to add a pungent, savory kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border for the crust to puff up beautifully.

The Cheesy Topping: Mozzarella

No pizza is complete without mozzarella! Shredded mozzarella melts into a gooey, irresistible layer that binds all the flavors together. You can adjust the amount to your liking, but 4-6 ounces provides a substantial, satisfying cheese pull.

The Game-Changer: Balsamic Drizzle

If you *really* want to elevate this pizza to an extraordinary level, don’t skip the balsamic drizzle. This was a last-minute inspiration that truly transformed the dish. The tangy, slightly sweet acidity of the balsamic glaze cuts through the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the tomatoes, adding an incredible “wow” factor. It’s the perfect finishing touch that brightens all the other flavors and creates a sophisticated depth. You can easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of brown sugar, or purchase a good quality store-bought balsamic glaze.

Make Your Own: White Pizza Recipe with Roasted Tomatoes

White Pizza Recipe with Roasted Tomatoes

5 from 1 vote

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

2 hours
10 minutes

Total Time:

2 hours
30 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Italian

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Pizza crust is covered with an herb oil, then ricotta, lots of sweet roasted tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in this White Pizza Recipe with Roasted Tomatoes.

Ingredients

Roasted Tomatoes

• 1 lb plum tomatoes seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Herb Oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried basil crushed
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pizza

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1 cup ricotta drained if needed
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4-6 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
• balsamic drizzle optional*

Instructions

1. Prepare Roasted Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 250ºF (120ºC). In a medium bowl, combine the 1 lb of seeded and sliced plum tomatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to coat. Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for approximately 2 hours, or until the tomatoes are soft, slightly shriveled, and their flavors have intensified. Once roasted, remove from oven and set aside.
2. Heat Pizza Stone & Oven: If using a pizza stone, place it in your oven and preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Allow the pizza stone to heat for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for a crispy crust.
3. Make Herb Oil: While the oven and stone are heating, prepare the herb oil. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of crushed dried basil, 2 teaspoons of crushed dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
4. Prepare Pizza Dough: On a pizza peel generously sprinkled with cornmeal (to prevent sticking), or on a piece of parchment paper, roll out your 1 lb pizza dough into your desired round or rectangular shape. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the entire surface of the dough with the prepared herb oil.
5. Assemble Pizza: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of drained ricotta cheese with 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread this garlicky ricotta mixture evenly over the herb-oiled dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Arrange the cooled roasted tomatoes over the ricotta layer, then generously sprinkle with 4-6 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake Pizza: Carefully transfer the assembled pizza (on the peel or parchment paper) to the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze before slicing and serving. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes:

*To make a simple balsamic drizzle, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by half and thickened to a syrup-like consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can purchase a store-bought balsamic glaze at most grocery stores or online.

This recipe was inspired by Taste of Home February – March 2015.

Tips for a Perfect White Pizza Every Time:

• Don’t Skimp on Prep Time: While the hands-on time is minimal, allow ample time for roasting the tomatoes and preheating the pizza stone. These steps are crucial for flavor and texture.
• Drained Ricotta is Key: Excess moisture from ricotta can make your pizza soggy. If your ricotta seems watery, place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Room Temperature Dough: Cold pizza dough is harder to roll out and can snap back. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before working with it.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously sprinkle your pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. This acts like tiny ball bearings, helping the dough slide easily off the peel onto the hot pizza stone.
• Don’t Overload: While tempting to pile on the toppings, remember that too much can make the pizza heavy and soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for optimal results.
• Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano after baking can add a vibrant burst of flavor and color.

Variations & Customizations:

This White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these additions to make it your own:

• Add Greens: A handful of fresh spinach or arugula (added after baking) provides a peppery bite and freshness.
• Protein Boost: Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or crispy pancetta would be delicious additions.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the herb oil or sprinkled on top adds a pleasant heat.
• Other Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or a creamy goat cheese for extra tanginess.
• Different Herbs: If you prefer, experiment with fresh rosemary or oregano in the herb oil instead of or in addition to basil and thyme.
• Caramelized Onions: Add sweet caramelized onions to the ricotta base for another layer of savory-sweet flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This white pizza is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would complement the flavors perfectly. It’s also fantastic as an appetizer, cut into smaller squares for sharing.

I am certainly hoping for better luck in the kitchen this week, but even if my culinary adventures continue to present challenges, I know this White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes will always be a reliable, delicious escape. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most unforgettable flavors. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed!

More Pizza Favorites:

Blue Cheese and Bacon Pizza
Egg Pizza with Creamed Spinach
Grilled White Pizza with Bacon and Basil