Best White Pizza Barefoot Contessa Recipes

GREAT WHITE PIZZA

Steps:

• For the dough: In an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, dissolve the yeast in the water until there are no pieces of yeast left. Add the flour and start mixing on low. After the flour and water have started to mix, add the salt. Let mix for another minute until all of the flour from the sides of the bowl have been incorporated. If the dough is sticking to the side of the bowl, add flour slowly until it starts to firm up around the dough hook. Add the olive oil and mix for another 5 minutes.
• Let the dough rest in the bowl, covered, for 10 minutes. In the meantime, spray a baking sheet or aluminum pan with cooking spray. After the dough is done resting, empty it onto a lightly floured prep surface. Weigh the dough out into three 10-ounce portions. In your hands, fold the dough into itself, tightening the dough and removing air pockets with each fold. Add flour to your hands if the dough is too sticky. When the dough is tight enough to hold its shape, put it on to the greased baking sheet and spray the top with a little of the cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The dough should at least double in size. You can also proof in the fridge overnight and leave it out 30 minutes before you are ready to use it the next day.
• For the garlic ricotta: While the dough is proofing, make the roasted garlic ricotta, sliced zucchini and charred red onions. (Start roasting the garlic right away as it will take the most time.)
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Cut off the tops of the heads of garlic. Drizzle the olive oil over the tops of the garlic, wrap in aluminum foil and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once tender, remove from the oven and let cool. In a stainless bowl, squeeze out the roasted garlic. Add a splash of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a spatula, smooth the garlic into a paste in the bowl. Add the ricotta and fold in the garlic until it is completely incorporated.
• For the charred red onions: Turn the oven temperature up to 500 degrees F. Cut the ends off the onions, and peel off the tough outer layer. Cut in half lengthwise and thinly slice. Toss in olive oil and cook on a baking sheet in the oven of 15 to 20 minutes until you see a good bit of charred pieces. Cool.
• For the zucchini: While the onions cook, cut the ends off of the zucchini and squash and thinly slice on a bias. Toss in a metal bowl with the olive oil, pepper flakes, lemon zest and salt and pepper.
• To assemble the pizza: Leave the oven temperature at 500 degrees F, and lightly flour a smooth work surface. Take out one of the dough balls. Starting at the edges, gently press down on the dough, being careful not to pull at it. Continue pressing the edges and work towards the center, keeping the dough round. Make sure to flour both sides at least twice during this process. Once you've stretched the dough to about 14 inches, move it onto a round aluminum pizza pan or a wooden peel if you plan on sliding it on to a pizza stone.
• Start assembling the pie by spreading the ricotta mixture all over the base. Place several slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the crust. Next, add the cut zucchini and squash and charred red onions. Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven on the aluminum pan or if using a pizza stone, slide on from the wooden peel. Let bake for about 10 minutes, then slide the pizza right onto the oven rack and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

GRILLED CALIFORNIA PIZZAS

Steps:

• For the dough, combine the water, yeast, honey, and olive oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add 3 cups flour, then the salt, and mix. While mixing, add 1 more cup of flour, or enough to make a soft dough. Knead the dough on low to medium speed for about 10 minutes until smooth, sprinkling it with flour, if necessary, to keep it from sticking to the bowl.
• When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured board and knead by hand a dozen times. It should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and turn it several times to cover it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll each one into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet and cover them with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
• If you've chilled the dough, take it out of the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes ahead to let it come to room temperature. Roll and stretch each ball into a rough 8-inch circle and place them all on baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. (You will be able to fit 2 pizzas on each 18 by 13-inch baking sheet.)
• Light your grill and wait until it's hot.
• Place the pizzas directly onto the grill and cook on 1 side for 1 minute. Turn the pizzas over and brush with olive oil or garlic oil.
• Top the pizzas with any toppings you wish, piling them high. Drizzle each pizza with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Put the lid on your grill and cook for 5 minutes more, until the crust is crisp and the toppings are cooked.

INA GARTEN'S WHITE PIZZAS WITH ARUGULA

Steps:

• Combine the water, yeast, honey and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. When the yeast is dissolved, add 3 cups of flour, then 2 teaspoons salt, and mix on medium-low speed. While mixing, add up to 1 more cup of flour, or just enough to make a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, sprinkling it with the flour as necessary to keep it from sticking to the bowl.
• When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured board and knead it by hand a dozen times. It should be smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and turn it to cover it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Place 1/2 cup of olive oil, the garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 10 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn't burn. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 500°F.
• Dump the dough onto a board and divide into 6 equal pieces. Place the doughs on sheet pans lined with parchment paper and cover them with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
• Press and stretch each ball into an 8-inch circle and place 2 circles on each sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the pizzas with the garlic oil, and sprinkle each one liberally with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the pizzas evenly with fontina, mozzarella and goat cheese. Drizzle each pizza with 1 tablespoon more of the garlic oil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the crusts are crisp and the cheeses begin to brown.
• Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• When the pizzas are done, place the arugula in a large bowl and toss with just enough lemon vinaigrette to moisten. Place a large bunch of arugula on each pizza and a slice of lemon and serve immediately.