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White Pizzas with Arugula

A delicious and crispy white pizza topped with a garlic oil, a blend of cheeses, and fresh arugula, perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 1.25 cups warm water Acts as the base of the dough.
  • 2 packages dry yeast For fluffy texture.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Adds natural sweetness.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Infuses richness and flavor.
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading The backbone of our pizza.
  • Kosher salt For seasoning.
For the topping
  • 0.5 cups olive oil For brushing the pizza.
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced For aromatic flavor.
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme Adds herby notes.
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes For a subtle heat.
  • 3 cups grated Italian fontina cheese (8 ounces) Creamy and melty cheese.
  • 1.5 cups fresh mozzarella cheese (7 ounces) Classic pizza cheese.
  • 11 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled Adds luxurious tang.
For the arugula vinaigrette
  • 0.5 cups olive oil For the vinaigrette.
  • 0.25 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice Brightens flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances vinaigrette taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Finishing touch.
  • 8 ounces baby arugula Adds freshness.

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. Combine warm water, dry yeast, honey, and three tablespoons of olive oil in an electric mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Let sit until yeast dissolves and foams.
  2. Add three cups of flour and two teaspoons of kosher salt. Mix on medium-low speed, gradually adding more flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, adding flour to prevent sticking until smooth and elastic.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand a dozen times. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Garlic Oil Preparation
  1. While the dough rises, combine half a cup of olive oil, sliced garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.
Pizza Assembly and Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
  2. Once risen, divide the dough into six pieces, place on parchment-lined sheet pans, and cover with a damp towel for 10 minutes.
  3. Shape each piece into an 8-inch circle, placing two onto each sheet pan. If refrigerated, let come to room temperature first.
  4. Brush with garlic oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with fontina, mozzarella, and goat cheese, drizzle with more garlic oil, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. While baking, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
  6. Toss arugula with enough vinaigrette to moisten and place on each hot pizza before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight, and ensure the oven is fully preheated for a crispy crust. Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique taste.