Al Forno Bianca Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl, stir the active dry yeast and sugar into the warm water. Let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy.

Mix dough

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well, add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is too sticky, dust with up to 2 tbs more flour.

First rise

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.

Shape

Punch down dough gently, then shape into a 12-inch round by pressing from the center out with your fingertips on a lightly floured surface (or roll with a rolling pin) leaving a slightly thicker 1/2-inch rim.

Prepare cheeses

While dough is rising or 10 minutes before baking, drain and pat the mozzarella slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Shred the fontina and toss it lightly with the grated Parmesan (if using) to help prevent clumping.

Assemble pizza

Preheat your oven as hot as it will go (500–550°F / 260–290°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Brush the shaped dough lightly with the 1 tbs olive oil. Arrange mozzarella slices evenly across the surface, leaving the rim exposed. Sprinkle shredded fontina over and between the mozzarella. Season the cheese with the 0.25 tsp sea salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Bake

Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 8–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown in spots. Rotate halfway through if your oven has hot spots.

Make hot honey

While the pizza bakes, combine the honey and chile-infused oil in a small heatproof bowl. Warm gently over low heat or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, then whisk. If the honey is very thick, whisk in up to 1 tsp hot water to loosen to a drizzleable consistency. Taste and adjust heat by adding a pinch of cayenne or more chile oil if you prefer it hotter.

Finish pizza

When the pizza comes out of the oven, let it rest 1 minute, then use a spoon to drizzle the hot honey evenly over the cheese. The heat from the pizza will slightly melt and set the honey into the cheese.

Garnish & serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the pizza if using. Let cool 1–2 minutes, slice into 6–8 slices, and serve immediately.