First Step: Prepare the Dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator 2-3 hours prior in warm months or 3-4 hours in cold months to let it warm up. This step is crucial for easy stretching, as cold dough can tear. Once it’s at room temperature, place the dough ball in flour, turn it once, and lay the sticky side up on a floured work surface to maintain its structure.

Second Step: Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to its maximum temperature, up to 550°F, and place a pizza steel on the second-highest rack. Allow it to preheat for at least 45 minutes so the steel reaches the ideal heat. This ensures a crispy crust, which is key for white pizza’s texture, and can be adapted if your oven runs hot or cool.

Third Step: Shape the Dough: Form a rim by pressing down gently on the dough without deflating the edges, leaving a thicker center for that signature rise. Stretch the dough from an 8-9 inch circle to about 15 inches by pulling with your knuckles and rotating it evenly. Keep the process gentle to avoid tears, making it accessible for beginners or those with dietary tweaks like gluten-free options.

Fourth Step: Transfer and Add Toppings: Move the stretched dough to a wooden pizza peel dusted with 1 tablespoon semolina flour, checking that it slides easily to prevent sticking issues. Brush the dough surface with a little of the up to 2 ounces water, then drizzle and brush 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top for moisture and flavor. Spread 8 ounces shredded whole milk mozzarella evenly, add dollops of 1 1/2 cups ricotta, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons finely grated Pecorino Romano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

Fifth Step: Bake the Pizza: Verify the steel’s temperature is around 610°F using an infrared thermometer before sliding the pizza onto it. Bake for 3 minutes, then rotate 180 degrees with a metal peel and bake for another 3 minutes; total cooking time is 6-7 minutes, but adjust based on your oven. For a golden top, broil for 15 seconds if desired, watching closely to avoid burning, and consider variations for different preferences.

Final Step: Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza to a wire rack to cool and prevent sogginess, which helps maintain the crust’s integrity. Slice and serve immediately for the best experience, noting that this step takes about 5 minutes. The entire process fits into a total time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including preparation, and can be tailored for dietary needs like vegan cheese swaps.