If you're craving a pizza that's a bit off the beaten path, this Savory Herb and Ricotta Pizza is a must-try. With a creamy, herb-infused ricotta base and a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes and olives, it brings a delightful twist to your typical pizza night.
Pizza Dough: The foundation of our pizza. Using a prepared dough saves time without compromising on flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese makes the perfect base, adding a rich texture and mild flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the flavor with its salty, nutty kick.
Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Garlic: Infuses the pizza with a robust, aromatic depth.
Olive Oil: Helps blend the ricotta mixture smoothly and adds a subtle fruity note.
Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs elevate the dish with their earthy, aromatic tones.
Black Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide a savory and tangy contrast, balancing the creamy base.
Arugula: Offers a fresh, peppery bite as a finishing touch.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add a hint of heat to round out the flavors.
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a light, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of minestrone soup.
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures a perfectly crisp crust.
On a floured surface, roll out your prepared pizza dough to a 14-inch circle. If you like a thinner crust, roll it out a bit more.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Spread this ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust. This ensures you get a bite of creamy goodness in every slice.
Next, sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme evenly over the ricotta mixture. These herbs will bake into the cheese, releasing their aromatic flavors.
Scatter the sliced black olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. These toppings add a delicious contrast to the creamy base.
Carefully transfer your pizza to the oven, either on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone, and bake for 12-15 minutes. You're looking for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese.
Once out of the oven, top with fresh arugula and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and freshness.
Slice and serve your pizza hot, enjoying the harmony of flavors with each bite.
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