Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden crust from your oven, the aroma of garlic and Italian herbs filling your kitchen while cheesy goodness melts into creamy clouds over vibrant green spinach. That’s the pure joy of Spinach White Pizza — a simple yet irresistible twist on classic pizza that skips the red sauce in favor of a dreamy ricotta base, making every bite luxuriously creamy and packed with fresh, savory flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Spinach White Pizza such a standout is how a short list of everyday ingredients transforms into something truly special. Each component brings a new layer of texture, taste, or color, and together they create a pizza that feels both comforting and exciting.
- Pre-made pizza dough (about 12-inch): The sturdy, chewy base that holds all your toppings together — use store-bought for ease, or homemade for extra love.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps crisp the crust to golden perfection.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Brings bold, aromatic depth that infuses every bite with classic Italian flair.
- Fresh spinach (1 1/2 cups, chopped): Lends a burst of color, gentle earthiness, and a nutrient boost.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The star of the show, providing that creamy, pillowy base instead of the usual tomato sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for those classic cheese pulls and gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick that punches up every slice.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the cheese and veggies.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the richness with a gentle heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle, spicy zing if you like a little warmth.
- Dried Italian herbs or oregano (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled at the end for that signature pizzeria aroma and finish.
How to Make Spinach White Pizza
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by cranking your oven up to 475°F — a super-hot oven is key for that crispy, restaurant-style crust. While it heats, lightly grease your favorite pizza pan or a sturdy baking sheet to keep things from sticking and ensure a perfect golden base.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter, or whatever thickness you love. If you like a thinner, crisper crust, aim for a little less than 1/4 inch thick; for a chewy, pillowy base, leave it a bit thicker. Place the dough on your prepared pan.
Step 3: Infuse the Dough with Flavor
Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil, making sure to get all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top, so every slice will have that mouthwatering garlicky pop.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses and Spinach
Dollop and gently spread the ricotta cheese across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, scatter the chopped spinach evenly over the ricotta — it will shrink a bit as it bakes, so don’t be shy. Then, top with shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Finish with pinches of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned in spots.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once your Spinach White Pizza is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the dried Italian herbs or oregano over the top for a fragrant, herby finish. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve while it’s still warm and melty.
How to Serve Spinach White Pizza
Garnishes
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of balsamic glaze right before serving can add a beautiful sheen and a burst of fresh flavor. If you want to take it up a notch, scatter a few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of extra Parmesan over the top.
Side Dishes
Spinach White Pizza pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or a simple tomato salad for a juicy, refreshing contrast. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a cup of minestrone soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your pizza into thin strips or squares for a party-friendly appetizer platter. Or, serve with individual dipping bowls of herbed olive oil or marinara for a playful, interactive meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Spinach White Pizza tightly in foil or place in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the pizza after baking — just let them cool completely, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat leftover pizza in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling again. You can also use a skillet on the stovetop for a crisp bottom, or pop it in the microwave for pure convenience (though the crust will be softer).
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a soggy pizza. You’ll need about 1/2 cup once it’s drained, and it mixes right into the ricotta layer beautifully.
What’s the best way to make homemade pizza dough?
While store-bought dough is a timesaver, homemade dough is easy and incredibly satisfying. Use a simple mix of flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt, let it rise until puffy, then roll it out as you would for your Spinach White Pizza.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even artichoke hearts make delicious additions. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza, as too many toppings can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.
Is Spinach White Pizza good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the pizza in advance and keep it in the fridge, unbaked, for a few hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake fresh — or bake ahead and reheat slices as needed.
What makes Spinach White Pizza different from regular pizza?
The biggest difference is the absence of tomato sauce; instead, a creamy ricotta layer forms the base, creating a rich, mellow flavor profile that highlights the fresh spinach and cheese. It’s a lighter, brighter take that’s just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Spinach White Pizza at home, now’s your moment! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a dream. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort — you’ll be hooked after the first bite.
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Spinach White Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach White Pizza is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring a crisp, golden crust topped with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this vegetarian pizza is quick to prepare and satisfies the craving for a healthy, cheesy homemade meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, about 12-inch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Roll the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough to your preferred size and thickness, roughly 12 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Brush with Olive Oil & Add Garlic: Brush the dough surface evenly with olive oil, and sprinkle the minced garlic over it to infuse flavor.
- Spread Ricotta Cheese: Evenly spread the ricotta cheese over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
- Add Spinach and Cheeses: Layer the chopped spinach over the ricotta, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a subtle kick.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with dried Italian herbs or oregano. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider topping with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions before baking.
- Baby spinach can be used for a milder, more tender texture.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra richness and flavor depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
