Lemon-Zested Arugula White Pizza Recipe

For the Pizza Dough:

• Click here for ilFornino’s pizza dough recipe

For the White Sauce:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper if desired

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups fresh arugula
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Optional: red pepper flakes and additional parmesan for garnish

1. Combine Ingredients for White Sauce: In a bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
2. Heat the Oven: Light your wood-fired oven and bring it to 700°F. Wait 30-45 minutes to reach the right temperature.
3. Prepare Cooking Surface: Once hot, clean the cooking surface and dust it lightly with flour or cornmeal to prevent your pizza from sticking.
4. Divide the Dough: Knead down the risen dough and divide it into 2-4 equal pieces, depending on your desired pizza size.
5. Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out each piece into a 10-12 inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
6. Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the white sauce over the pizza base.
7. Add Arugula: Scatter a handful of fresh arugula on top of the sauce.
8. Transfer to Oven: Carefully slide the pizza into the hot oven using a pizza peel.
9. Cook: Bake for 2-4 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
11. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the pizza and serve hot, adding red pepper flakes and additional parmesan if desired!