Go Back Email Link
My favorite White Pizza with tomatoes, basil, and zucchini! AKA the PERFECT Summer meal.

White Pizza with Tomatoes, Basil, and Zucchini

Ashley Manila
My favorite White Pizza with tomatoes, basil, and zucchini!
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep Time 1 hour 1 minute
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 - 12" Pizza

Ingredients
 

For the Crust:

  • 3 and 3/4 cups bread flour
  • 1 and 1/4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 and 1/2 cups water, 110 - 115 degrees (F)
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the White Pizza:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups roasted cherry tomatoes (follow instructions above)
  • 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup torn basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to highest temperature setting at least 30 minutes prior to baking.

For the Crust:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt; stir to combine.
  • Turn mixer on low speed and add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil; beat until the dough forms into a ball around the hook. If the dough is super sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.
  • Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, add the dough, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm area and let it double in size, about 90 minutes.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Wrap one dough well in saran wrap and place in the freezer for a later use.
  • Place the dough you'll be using on a piece of plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a bowl combine the tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper; mix well to coat the tomatoes in the oil. Pour tomato mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they're soft and slightly blistered. Transfer tomatoes to a plate and set aside until needed.

Assembly:

  • Reduce preheated oven temperature to 400 degrees (F). Coat a pizza pan or pizza stone with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Roll the dough out into a large circle (about 12 inches) and place it on prepared pan. Brush the entire surface of the dough lightly with remaining olive oil. Evenly spread the mozzarella on top of the crust, then dollop teaspoons of the ricotta evenly over the mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest (if using), and garlic, then top with roasted tomatoes and sliced zucchini.
  • Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Sprinkle hot pizza with basil right before serving.

Notes

Pizza crust may be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, for up to one week, or in the freezer, for up to two months. Tomatoes may be roasted, and stored covered in the fridge, up to 3 days in advance.
Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature