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Garlic Bread Crust White Pizza with Fresh Cheeses and Arugula Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

This Garlic Bread Crust White Pizza features a homemade herbed dough with a garlicky crust, layered with a blend of fresh provolone, mozzarella, ricotta, and parmigiano-reggiano cheeses. Finished with a bright topping of lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh arugula, this pizza offers a perfect balance of rich, cheesy flavors and fresh, zesty accents.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/8 cups warm water
  • 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Toppings and Garnish

  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed or very finely minced
  • 2 cups freshly grated provolone cheese
  • 1 (8 ounce) ball fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
  • 1 lemon, zest freshly grated or sliced into thin ribbons
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling
  • 2 cups baby arugula greens
  • Lemon juice from the lemon above
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, honey, and olive oil. Stir gently and let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy, approximately 10 minutes, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make Dough: Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together but remains sticky.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead in remaining 1/2 cup flour with your hands for several minutes until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil the original bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat with oil. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it back to the floured surface. Roll or shape it into the desired form such as a heart or rectangle. Place on a baking sheet or pizza pan. Cover and allow to rest for 10 minutes to relax.
  5. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F for a baking sheet or pizza pan, or 475°F if using a pizza stone (preheat stone at least 30 minutes).
  6. Assemble Pizza: Generously brush the dough surface with olive oil and distribute pressed garlic evenly across the crust. Sprinkle grated provolone, then add mozzarella slices or torn pieces. Dot ricotta cheese over the pizza, then sprinkle with parmigiano-reggiano. Add lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes.
  7. Bake: Bake pizza 20-25 minutes on baking sheet or 15-20 minutes on pizza stone until cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
  8. Add Arugula: Toss baby arugula with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Scatter over warm pizza for a fresh, vibrant contrast.
  9. Serve: Slice pizza and serve immediately to enjoy warm, flavorful bites.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven rather than a baking sheet.
  • Resting the dough before baking helps improve texture and ease of shaping.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Fresh lemon zest and arugula add brightness to balance the richness of the cheeses.
  • Use warm water to properly activate the yeast but avoid water that is too hot, which can kill it.

Keywords: Garlic bread crust, white pizza, homemade pizza dough, provolone, mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano-reggiano, lemon zest pizza, arugula pizza, easy pizza recipe

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/garlic-bread-crust-white-pizza-with-fresh-cheeses-and-arugula-recipe/