If you have been searching for a delicious, comforting, yet fresh take on pizza, this Spinach White Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines a creamy garlic sauce with vibrant sautéed spinach and a trio of melty cheeses that come together in perfect harmony. The luscious white sauce, delicate herbs, and crisp crust make every bite a delightful experience, turning a simple pizza night into something truly special and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe promises a flavorful adventure you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this pizza really shines through the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether adding creaminess, freshness, or that irresistible cheesy pull—making the preparation straightforward but gratifying.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp up the crust beautifully when brushed on the dough.
- Butter: Essential for creating that silky garlic-infused white sauce base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, vibrant kick that infuses the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy texture and indulgence.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce slightly for perfect balance.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but fantastic for a hint of heat and depth.
- Fresh spinach: Brightens the pizza with its freshness and slightly earthy flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that classic pizza stretch.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy pockets that elevate the texture and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh basil or oregano: A fragrant garnish to finish with a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Spinach White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your equipment
Get your oven roaring at 475°F (245°C). If you happen to have a pizza stone, place it inside while the oven heats up to ensure your pizza crust gets that perfect crispness. It’s the little things that make all the difference.
Step 2: Make the garlic cream sauce
Melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté until your kitchen fills with that amazing aroma—just about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then season the mix with salt, black pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring until it thickens just so. This creamy, garlicky sauce is the heart of your Spinach White Pizza Recipe.
Step 3: Wilt the spinach
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, then add your fresh spinach. Stir it occasionally and watch it wilt down in just a couple of minutes. This step helps concentrate the flavors and softens the spinach perfectly for layering on your pizza crust.
Step 4: Roll out and oil the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your favorite shape and size. A thin crust works beautifully here to let the toppings shine. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil which encourages a golden, crispy bite after baking.
Step 5: Assemble the pizza
Spread that luscious white garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust that will puff up nicely. Next, layer your wilted spinach for bursts of green freshness. Add dollops of silky ricotta cheese scattered around, then shower with shredded mozzarella for that signature stretch. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to give it a slightly sharp, savory edge.
Step 6: Bake and garnish
Slide your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling with inviting gooeyness. When it’s out of the oven, top with fresh basil or oregano if you like—this fresh herbal touch ties everything together beautifully.
How to Serve Spinach White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano right after baking adds an extra layer of vibrant flavor and a delightful pop of color. For a slightly tangier note, some lemon zest or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also brighten things up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and fresh to complement this rich, creamy pizza. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad offers a refreshing counterpoint. Light roasted vegetables or garlic breadsticks also make great companions for a more indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, slice your Spinach White Pizza Recipe into bite-sized pieces and serve on a large wooden board for sharing. Alternatively, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for a gourmet twist. To impress guests, serve with small bowls of chili flakes and grated Parmesan on the side so everyone can customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to enjoy again without losing much of its original flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked spinach white pizza slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen properly, they remain great for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy this Spinach White Pizza Recipe anytime you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pizza in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy, or pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese re-melts. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the texture less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before cooking. This prevents excess moisture from sogging up the pizza crust and maintains the delicious texture you want in your Spinach White Pizza Recipe.
Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
How thick should I roll out the pizza dough?
About 1/4 inch thick is ideal for this recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between a crispy crust and a sturdy base to hold all those wonderful toppings.
Can I add protein to this pizza?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or prosciutto slices pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and spinach, adding some savory, satisfying elements to your Spinach White Pizza Recipe.
How do I get the cheese melted perfectly without burning the crust?
Baking at a high temperature like 475°F helps melt cheese quickly while crisping the crust. If you notice the crust browning too fast, you can tent the edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach White Pizza Recipe is a beautiful celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with fresh, vibrant greens. It’s approachable enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve to friends and family without hesitation. Once you try it, this pizza will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals that delivers comfort and delight in every bite. Grab your ingredients and start baking—your perfect pizza night awaits!
Print
Spinach White Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach White Pizza features a creamy garlic white sauce topped with fresh wilted spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses on a crisp, golden crust. Ready in just 27 minutes, it’s a delightful vegetarian pizza that combines rich flavors and fresh herbs for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing dough)
White Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up while the oven preheats, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to release its aroma.
- Prepare the White Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to combine with the butter and garlic. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Wilt the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the fresh chopped spinach and cook while stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred size and thickness. If using a pizza stone, transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel for easy transfer to the oven.
- Brush the Dough: Lightly brush the surface of the stretched dough with olive oil to help the crust crisp up beautifully during baking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the prepared white garlic sauce evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the Spinach: Evenly distribute the wilted spinach over the white sauce layer.
- Cheese Layers: Dot the pizza with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Finish by scattering the grated Parmesan over everything for an extra cheesy crust and flavor boost.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven on the pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheeses melt to a bubbly, inviting finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, optionally garnish with fresh basil or oregano for an herbal note. Slice and serve your delicious Spinach White Pizza immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough depending on your preference.
- Red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a nice subtle heat to balance the creamy sauce.
- Using a pizza stone helps to achieve a crispier crust but is not mandatory.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano elevate the flavor when added just before serving.
- For a lighter version, consider using part-skim mozzarella and substituting heavy cream with half-and-half.
