Imagine a pizza so irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor that it transforms your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Cheesy Broccoli White Pizza isn't just another pizza recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, velvety texture of ricotta, the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, and the vibrant, nutritious crunch of broccoli. Whether you're a pizza lover, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature will help create a crispy crust for your pizza.
- Prepare your pizza dough. If you are using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to stretch. If you are making your own dough, ensure it has risen properly before rolling it out.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape (round or rectangular) and thickness. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick for a nice, crispy base.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone, lightly greased with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. This will be your creamy white sauce.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Distribute the broccoli florets evenly over the ricotta layer. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can steam or blanch the florets for a couple of minutes before adding them to the pizza.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the broccoli and ricotta mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pizza for added flavor and to help the cheese brown nicely.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Serve the cheesy broccoli white pizza hot, garnished with additional salt and pepper to taste, or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always preheat your oven to ensure a perfectly crispy crust.
- Dough Matters: Let store-bought dough rest at room temperature for easier stretching.
- Cheese Distribution: Spread ricotta and mozzarella evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Optional Broccoli Prep: Lightly steam broccoli beforehand for a softer texture.
- Olive Oil Magic: A light drizzle enhances flavor and helps achieve beautiful browning.
- Cooling Time: Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to set the cheese and make slicing easier.
- Customize: Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
