This Ina Garten White Pizza With Arugula Recipe is crispy and fresh, which uses creamy ricotta and peppery arugula. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten White Pizza With Arugula Recipe Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup fresh ricotta
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Arugula Topping:
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Ina Garten White Pizza With Arugula
- Preheat and prep the dough: Preheat the oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, place it inside to heat. Roll out the dough into a 10–12-inch circle on a floured surface and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and garlic: Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and evenly spread the minced garlic over the surface.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly, dot the pizza with spoonfuls of ricotta, and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake the pizza: Transfer to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Prepare arugula salad: While the pizza bakes, toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Top and serve: Once baked, let the pizza rest for 2 minutes, then top with arugula salad. Add shaved Parmesan if desired. Slice and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, store-bought dough works great for convenience and still bakes beautifully.
- How to make the crust crispier: Use a pizza stone and preheat it in the oven for best results.
- Best cheese alternatives: Swap ricotta with goat cheese or add fontina for extra richness.
- Can I prep this ahead? You can prep toppings and dough ahead, but assemble and bake fresh for best texture.
- What if I don’t have arugula? Use baby spinach or a spring mix tossed in lemon dressing as an alternative.
What To Serve With White Pizza
This elegant pizza pairs well with light and savory sides:
- Tomato basil soup
- Roasted vegetables
- Caprese salad
- Garlic knots or focaccia

How To Store White Pizza With Arugula
Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Remove arugula topping before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispiness. Top with fresh arugula after warming.
White Pizza With Arugula Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~410 kcal per slice
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this white pizza without ricotta?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, cream cheese, or extra mozzarella as a substitute.
Do I have to bake the arugula?
No, the arugula is added fresh after baking for a bright, peppery contrast.
What’s the best way to roll out pizza dough?
Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then stretch gently from the center outward.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
Yes, crispy pancetta or prosciutto pairs nicely with the mild cheeses and arugula.
How to avoid soggy crust?
Preheat your oven fully and use parchment or a pizza stone for even, crispy baking.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Ina Garten Chicken With Morels Recipe
- Ina Garten Grilled Halibut Recipe
Ina Garten White Pizza With Arugula Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes410
kcalA crisp white pizza with creamy cheeses and a fresh lemon-dressed arugula topping.
Ingredients
-
1 pound pizza dough
-
Olive oil (for brushing)
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
-
½ cup fresh ricotta
-
½ tsp kosher salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
4 cups baby arugula
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
Shaved Parmesan (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 475°F. Roll out dough and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and top with garlic.
- Add mozzarella, dollop ricotta, and season.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Top pizza with salad and Parmesan. Slice and serve.
