Great White Pizza from Mellow Mushroom features a blend of creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses atop a hand-tossed crust, garnished with minced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, delivering a rich, cheesy flavor with a golden, bubbly finish.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Pizza peel
- Mixing bowl
- Dough scraper
- Rolling pin or hands (for hand-tossing)
- Cheese grater
- Small bowl (for mixing/mincing garlic)
- Brush (for olive oil)
- Spoon (for spreading ricotta)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses provide the creamy and rich texture essential to mimicking the Great White Pizza's signature flavor profile. Minced garlic combined with olive oil creates a fragrant, savory topping that enhances the overall taste experience. Using fresh, high-quality cheeses ensures your pizza achieves the golden, bubbly finish typical of Mellow Mushroom's version. Make sure to evenly distribute the ricotta with a spoon and brush the crust lightly with olive oil for the authentic texture. You can recreate the Great White Pizza from Mellow Mushroom perfectly by following this copycat recipe that balances cheese and garlic for a delicious homemade alternative.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with pizza stone or baking steel inside.
- Dust pizza peel with flour or cornmeal.
- Stretch or roll out pizza dough to desired size and shape.
- Transfer dough to prepared pizza peel.
- Mix minced garlic with olive oil in a small bowl.
- Brush garlic olive oil mixture evenly over the dough surface.
- Dollop ricotta cheese evenly across the dough using a spoon.
- Evenly distribute fresh mozzarella over the ricotta.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Slide pizza onto hot pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until crust is golden, cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Remove pizza from oven using pizza peel.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
- Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Substitution
Great White Pizza from Mellow Mushroom is a delicious blend of ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses on a hand-tossed crust with garlic and olive oil. If fresh ricotta is unavailable, you can substitute it with mascarpone or a ricotta-like soft cheese to maintain a creamy texture. Using pre-shredded mozzarella is a convenient alternative, but freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and offers better flavor. When you don't have a pizza stone or baking steel, bake the pizza on a heavy baking sheet placed directly on the oven rack to achieve a crispier crust. Minced garlic can be swapped with garlic powder or roasted garlic for a milder taste if preferred.
Tips
Make sure your oven and pizza stone or baking steel are fully preheated to 500degF (260degC) before baking to achieve a crispy, golden crust. Use a generous dusting of flour or cornmeal on the pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking when transferring it to the oven. Distribute the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses evenly to ensure consistent melting and flavor in every bite. You should brush the garlic-infused olive oil uniformly across the dough to infuse the pizza with aromatic flavor without overwhelming the cheeses.
Nutritions
Your Great White Pizza from Mellow Mushroom provides a nutrient-rich profile with a significant amount of protein and calcium from the blend of ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. The olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while the garlic offers immune-boosting properties and a subtle anti-inflammatory effect. The hand-tossed dough adds carbohydrates for energy, making this pizza a balanced meal choice when paired with fresh vegetables or a salad. Monitoring portion size can help manage calorie intake, as cheeses and olive oil are calorie-dense ingredients.
Storage
Store leftover Great White Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate your pizza within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth and extend its shelf life up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use a pizza stone or oven to preserve the crust's crispiness and melt the cheeses evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the Great White Pizza by substituting part of the ricotta with mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture. Try adding fresh basil or spinach leaves before baking to introduce a pop of color and freshness. For a smoky twist, consider using smoked mozzarella or adding a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top. Experiment with a garlic-infused olive oil instead of plain olive oil to deepen the aromatic profile of your pizza.
Allergies
Great White Pizza from Mellow Mushroom contains multiple dairy ingredients such as ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk or lactose intolerance. The presence of garlic may cause sensitivity or digestive issues in some people with allium allergies. You should inform the restaurant of any food allergies to ensure your safety when enjoying this creamy, cheese-packed pizza.
Why this recipe?
Great White Pizza from Mellow Mushroom is loved for its creamy blend of ricotta, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses topped with garlic oil, fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Romano cheese, creating a rich and flavorful taste. The perfect balance of cheesy goodness and fresh ingredients appeals to pizza enthusiasts seeking a unique, satisfying experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the recipe with fresh, high-quality ingredients and recreate the same delightful taste at home. Your homemade pizza will capture the essence of Mellow Mushroom's Great White, making it a rewarding culinary project.