Recipes
Roasted Garlic, Artichoke and Chicken Pizza Bianca
Posted by Niel Neethling on July 16, 2024
For pizza aficionados looking to step away from the classic red sauce, a roasted garlic, artichoke and chicken white pizza offers a delectable alternative that's rich in flavour and has a creamy texture. In this guide, we will walk you through how to create this delicious white pie, perfect for a cozy night in or to impress at your next dinner party.
The Magic of Roasted Garlic
Roasting garlic transforms the pungent bulbs into a sweet, caramelized treat that's soft enough to spread like butter. This mellow sweetness is the backbone of our garlic pizza, providing a depth of flavor that's both comforting and sophisticated.
How to Roast Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Peel away the outer layers of a garlic bulb, leaving the cloves connected.
- Slice off the top of the bulb, exposing the individual cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil and wrap the bulb in foil.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves feel soft when pressed.
- Once cool, the cloves can be easily squeezed out of their skins.
Crafting the Perfect White Sauce
While your garlic is roasting, it's time to create the creamy base for your white pizza. A simple béchamel sauce, seasoned with a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, and a touch of nutmeg, offers the perfect canvas for your toppings.
Ingredients for Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a paste and cook for a minute, avoiding any browning. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then set aside.
Building Your Pizza
With your roasted garlic and béchamel sauce ready, it's time to assemble your pizza. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically between 450°F and 500°F (230°C - 260°C).
Pizza Assembly
- Pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Roasted Fave™ Garlic cloves, mashed
- Béchamel sauce
- Cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Canned Artichoke Hearts
- Baby Spinach
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Spread your pizza dough on a floured surface or pizza stone into your desired shape. Smear the roasted garlic over the dough, then spoon and spread the béchamel sauce. Distribute the chicken slices evenly, and cover with a generous layer of mozzarella, artichoke hearts, baby spinach leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestion
Slice your roasted garlic and chicken white pizza while it's still hot. Pair with a crisp salad, a glass of white wine, or a cold beer for the ultimate dining experience.
This roasted garlic and chicken white pizza is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. The blend of roasted garlic, creamy sauce, and tender chicken will make this dish a go-to recipe for pizza lovers seeking something beyond the traditional pie.
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