When it comes to pizza, sauce often steals the show — but white pizza flips the script by proving that sometimes, less is more. Without the traditional tomato base, white pizzas rely on rich cheeses, flavorful herbs, and creative toppings to deliver unforgettable taste. From creamy ricotta to garlic-infused olive oil and mozzarella blends, these pies highlight the art of flavor without sauce.
In this post, we showcase 12 must-try white pizzas that prove sauce isn’t everything, featuring inventive recipes from classic pizzerias and modern kitchens across the U.S. Whether you’re a white pizza fanatic or curious to try something new, these selections will delight your taste buds with bold, satisfying flavors that stand strong on their own. Get ready to discover a different side of pizza that’s creamy, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy.
1. Bianca Pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples offers a stunning Bianca pizza that redefines the idea of pizza without tomato sauce. This traditional white pizza features a thin, chewy crust topped with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and a drizzle of olive oil. The cheese blend melts into a creamy, luscious layer that carries rich flavors all on its own.
Garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary and oregano add aromatic depth, elevating the simplicity to gourmet status. The crust’s charred spots from the wood-fired oven contribute a smoky note and satisfying texture, proving that white pizzas can deliver complex flavor without any sauce. It’s a must-try for those who want to experience pure cheese indulgence and artisanal craftsmanship in every bite.
2. White Clam Pizza from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Frank Pepe’s famous White Clam Pizza is a legendary white pie from New Haven, Connecticut, that focuses on fresh, briny clams, garlic, oregano, and a blend of mozzarella and pecorino cheeses instead of traditional tomato sauce. The thin, coal-fired crust crisps beautifully, providing a smoky, slightly charred base that complements the bright seafood toppings.
This pizza balances creamy cheese with the savory ocean flavor of clams, enhanced by a light drizzle of olive oil and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat. The absence of tomato sauce lets the fresh clam flavor shine, creating a unique pizza experience that seafood lovers rave about. It’s an iconic white pizza that proves you don’t need sauce to create bold, unforgettable flavors.
3. White Pizza from Sally’s Apizza
Sally’s Apizza in New Haven offers a beloved white pizza that focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients to deliver rich flavor without tomato sauce. The crust is thin, chewy, and perfectly blistered from the coal-fired oven, providing a slightly smoky backdrop. The toppings include a generous layer of fresh mozzarella, ricotta cheese, garlic, and a sprinkling of oregano. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and moisture.
The cheese blend melts into a creamy, luscious topping that balances beautifully with the garlicky aroma. Sally’s white pizza highlights how texture and fresh flavors come together to create a satisfying pizza experience without the need for traditional sauce. It’s a perfect choice for cheese lovers looking to savor a lighter, yet deeply flavorful pie.
4. White Garlic Pizza at Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza’s White Garlic Pizza is a fast-casual favorite that showcases the power of a creamy garlic sauce base instead of tomato. The crust is thin and crispy, baked in their signature blazing-hot oven for a perfect crunch and chew. The sauce combines roasted garlic, cream, and herbs to create a rich, velvety foundation for the fresh mozzarella and fontina cheeses layered on top.
A sprinkle of oregano and fresh cracked pepper adds aromatic complexity and a subtle spicy kick. Blaze’s customizable approach means you can add extra toppings, but the white garlic sauce alone carries the pizza with bold, savory flavor. It’s an ideal option for those craving creamy, garlicky goodness on a light, crispy crust.
5. White Pizza at Regina Pizzeria
Regina Pizzeria, a Boston institution, offers a classic White Pizza that shines with simplicity and quality ingredients. The crust is thin yet sturdy, with a crispy edge that holds up well to the creamy cheeses and garlic-infused olive oil base. Topped generously with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, the pizza bursts with a rich, cheesy flavor that’s balanced by the aromatic garlic and fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
This white pizza embraces the idea that sauce isn’t mandatory when the cheeses and herbs bring enough depth and complexity. Regina’s perfectly baked crust and fresh toppings combine for a comforting yet sophisticated white pizza experience that pleases both cheese lovers and traditionalists.
6. White Pie at Famous Original Ray’s Pizza (New York City)
Famous Original Ray’s Pizza in NYC serves a standout White Pie that’s a favorite among locals. This pie skips the tomato sauce but compensates with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all sprinkled with garlic and a touch of oregano.
The crust is thin and foldable, delivering that classic New York pizza chew and slight crispiness. Ray’s White Pie is simple but loaded with flavor—the cheese blend melts perfectly, creating a creamy and rich layer that contrasts beautifully with the crisp crust. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who craves the cheesy goodness of pizza but wants to try something a bit different from the standard red sauce pies.
7. White Pizza at Antico Pizza Napoletana
Antico Pizza in Atlanta offers an authentic Neapolitan-style White Pizza that beautifully showcases fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their thin, airy crust is blistered to perfection in a wood-fired oven, providing a light chew and smoky flavor. Instead of tomato sauce, this pizza features a generous spread of fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, topped with garlic, basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
The balance of creamy cheeses with the fragrant herbs creates a luxurious mouthfeel that’s rich without being heavy. Antico’s white pizza is a perfect example of how simplicity, fresh ingredients, and expert baking can create a memorable pizza experience without relying on tomato sauce.
8. White Pizza from Roberta’s (Brooklyn, NY)
Roberta’s in Brooklyn has earned a cult following for its innovative white pizza options. Their white pies often feature a combination of fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like thyme and oregano. The crust is thin and crispy with a slightly chewy interior, baked to a perfect golden brown in a wood-fired oven.
The absence of tomato sauce allows the rich, creamy cheeses and fragrant herbs to shine, creating a well-balanced and indulgent flavor profile. Roberta’s white pizza is perfect for those who want a rustic, artisanal pizza experience that celebrates the essence of quality cheese and simple toppings.
9. White Pizza at Pieology
Pieology’s White Pizza is a customizable thin-crust delight that features a garlic cream sauce base instead of tomato sauce. The sauce is rich and flavorful, blending roasted garlic, cream, and herbs to create a luscious foundation. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and sharp cheese flavor. The crust is baked to a crispy, golden finish that holds the toppings beautifully.
Pieology allows customers to add extra toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or chicken, but even the classic white pizza stands strong with its flavorful, creamy sauce and melted cheeses. This pizza is a great choice for those who want a sauceless option that’s still full of savory depth and comforting richness.
10. White Pizza at Giordano’s
Giordano’s, famous for their stuffed deep-dish pizzas, also offers a fantastic White Pizza that focuses on rich cheeses and a garlic herb base. Instead of the typical tomato sauce, the base is a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, layered thickly inside the stuffed crust. The herbs and garlic infuse the cheese with savory notes, while the buttery crust adds a satisfying crunch.
Giordano’s White Pizza delivers an indulgent, gooey cheese experience that proves sauce isn’t necessary to create a deeply flavorful pie. This option is ideal for lovers of rich, cheesy pizzas who appreciate the hearty satisfaction of Chicago-style deep-dish combined with a white sauce twist.
11. White Pizza at Patsy’s Pizzeria
Patsy’s Pizzeria in Harlem, New York, offers a classic white pizza that perfectly balances tradition and simplicity. Their thin crust is crispy around the edges yet chewy in the middle, baked in a coal-fired oven that imparts a smoky flavor. The pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, a drizzle of olive oil, and plenty of minced garlic. Fresh basil and oregano add fragrant herbal notes that elevate the cheese’s creamy richness.
Patsy’s white pizza is beloved for its straightforward yet flavorful profile — no tomato sauce needed when you have such a beautifully creamy cheese blend combined with aromatic garlic and herbs. It’s a timeless choice for pizza purists who want to experience the essence of white pizza done right.
12. White Pizza at Eataly
Eataly, the Italian market and eatery chain, offers a refined white pizza that emphasizes quality ingredients and artisanal preparation. Their version features a thin, crisp crust topped with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The base is lightly seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary and oregano, adding complexity without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
Baked in a wood-fired oven, the crust develops a perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. Eataly’s white pizza highlights the elegance of Italian flavors, showing that a sauce-free pizza can be just as rich, layered, and satisfying as its red-sauced counterpart. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for authentic, gourmet white pizza.
Bottom Line
White pizza is proof that pizza greatness doesn’t always need a tomato sauce foundation. The 12 white pizzas featured here showcase how a blend of cheeses, herbs, and creative toppings can create rich, flavorful pies that stand on their own. Whether you’re a fan of classic garlic-ricotta combos or more adventurous variations, these pizzas highlight the delicious diversity of white pizza across the U.S. If you’re ready to explore pizza beyond the sauce, these must-try white pizzas deliver creamy, bold flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
FAQs
Q1: What is white pizza?
White pizza is a pizza without tomato sauce, typically topped with cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic.
Q2: Is white pizza less flavorful than traditional pizza?
Not at all—white pizza offers rich, creamy, and savory flavors that many find just as satisfying.
Q3: Can I add toppings to white pizza?
Yes, toppings like spinach, mushrooms, chicken, and herbs complement white pizza perfectly.
Q4: Where can I find the best white pizzas?
Many artisanal pizzerias and classic pizza joints across the U.S. offer delicious white pizza options.