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savor rustic pizza bianca

Rustic Pizza Bianca

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This authentic Pizza Bianca features a chewy, airy crust with a crispy exterior, seasoned simply with olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh rosemary. The long fermentation process develops complex flavors similar to artisanal bread, creating a rustic Italian flatbread that's perfect for dipping, serving alongside pasta, or enjoying on its own.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • teaspoons instant yeast
  • teaspoons sugar
  • 13½ ounces water room temperature (1⅔ cups)
  • teaspoons table salt
  • 15 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour about 3 cups
  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves whole

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Pizza Stone

Method
 

  1. Place a towel under your stand mixer to stabilize it. In the mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, water, and table salt. Mix on low speed for 3-4 minutes until no dry flour remains, scraping down sides as needed.
  2. Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes for proper hydration.
  3. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over the rested dough. Knead on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and continue kneading until the dough becomes glossy and smooth, pulling away from the sides while the mixer runs (approximately 6-10 minutes).
  4. Coat a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, then pour another tablespoon of olive oil over top and flip once to coat completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  5. Let the dough rise until nearly tripled in size, about 2 to 2½ hours.
  6. During the last hour of rising, place a pizza stone on the middle rack and preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  7. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gently transfer the risen dough to the sheet and stretch it toward the edges using your fingertips. Don't worry if it doesn't reach the corners completely.
  8. Let the dough rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes until bubbly, then prick the surface 30-40 times with a fork and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  9. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves. Rotate the pan and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Immediately brush the hot bread with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Slice and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal

Notes

Use the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford, as it's one of the star flavors in this simple flatbread. For the best texture, don't skip the initial rest period or rush the rising time - these steps develop the complex flavor and airy structure. Pizza Bianca is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven to restore some crispness.
For variations, try topping with thinly sliced garlic, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking. It pairs beautifully with arugula salad, prosciutto, or as part of an antipasti platter.

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