If you are searching for a fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying twist on classic pizza, this Spinach White Pizza Recipe is absolutely going to become your new favorite. It combines a luscious garlic cream sauce with vibrant wilted spinach and a trio of cheeses, delivering a rich, comforting bite without overwhelming heaviness. Whether you’re craving something elegant for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this pizza blends creamy, savory, and herby notes into every slice, making it impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spinach White Pizza Recipe lies in its surprisingly simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, from the silky cream sauce to the fresh spinach’s bright green pop, and the cheeses that provide gooey, melty goodness and a punch of flavor.
- Pizza dough: You can go store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra love and crispness in the crust.
- Olive oil: Brushing the dough with olive oil helps create a perfectly crisp, golden crust.
- Butter: Forms the rich base of the garlic sauce for that comforting, buttery flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature aromatic punch.
- Heavy cream and milk: Together they create a creamy yet balanced white sauce that isn’t too heavy.
- Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: These seasonings perfectly enhance the sauce, with the flakes adding optional warmth.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a healthy, slightly earthy contrast to the creaminess.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic stretchy, melty texture every pizza needs.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers soft, creamy dollops that elevate each bite’s richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Fresh basil or oregano (optional): Adds a fragrant, fresh herbal note when sprinkled atop the finished pizza.
How to Make Spinach White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside now so it can become beautifully hot and ready to crisp your pizza base perfectly. This step ensures the ultimate crunch for your crust that makes all the difference.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the minced garlic. Let the aroma fill your kitchen as you sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—this step is key to developing that rich garlic flavor. Next, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until everything combines smoothly. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a gentle hint of heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat and add the chopped fresh spinach. Cook it just until it wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it softens evenly. This step brightens the spinach’s flavor and removes any excess moisture so your pizza stays perfectly saucy without getting soggy.
Step 4: Roll and Prep the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired size and shape. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined pizza peel for an easy slide into the oven later. Give the dough a brush with olive oil all over — this simple touch locks in crispness and adds a lovely golden sheen after baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Spread your creamy garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for that perfect, puffy crust. Then scatter the wilted spinach over the sauce in an even layer. After that, place generous dollops of ricotta cheese across the pizza—these pockets of creamy goodness are what dreams are made of! Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top and finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into a flavorful, slightly sharp topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza into the hot oven or onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese on top is bubbling and beautifully melted—maybe even a tiny bit golden. That visual cue is your green light to pull it out and move on to the best part: eating!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
After baking, sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the pizza if you like. These fresh herbs add a lovely aromatic, herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce and cheeses perfectly. Then slice and serve hot, relishing each rich, flavorful bite of your homemade masterpiece.
How to Serve Spinach White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano uplift this pizza beautifully, adding a bright and fragrant finish. A light drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavors while giving a little extra zing to each slice.
Side Dishes
To complement the creamy richness of the white pizza, try a crisp green salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad with a dash of balsamic can provide the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy pizzas.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider slicing the pizza into smaller squares or strips to serve as delicious finger food. You could also pair it with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or pesto for guests to customize their bites. Using colorful plates or garnishing with edible flowers lifts the presentation, making it as stunning as it is scrumptious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store any uneaten pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3 days and tastes great cold or reheated. Just be sure to cool the pizza before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen spinach white pizza slices keep well for 1 to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious recipe anytime. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your leftover pizza in a hot skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 375°F until the cheese melts and the crust crisps back up. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this Spinach White Pizza Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before cooking—this helps prevent your pizza from getting too watery and keeps the crust nice and crisp.
Is this pizza recipe suitable for someone who is lactose intolerant?
Since this recipe relies heavily on rich cheeses and cream, it is not recommended for those who are lactose intolerant unless you use lactose-free alternatives or dairy-free cheeses specifically designed for pizza.
Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just gently reheat it before spreading on the dough to make assembly quick and easy.
What type of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade dough work wonderfully. If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought dough can save you effort while still yielding a crisp and flavorful crust.
Are there any other cheeses I could use in this Spinach White Pizza Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding fontina, provolone, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep the balance between melty and creamy textures for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Spinach White Pizza Recipe brings together creamy garlic sauce, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses into one delicious pie. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent without being heavy, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo on a cozy night in. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to anytime you want a pizza that’s a little different but absolutely amazing.
Print
Spinach White Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach White Pizza features a creamy garlic white sauce complemented by sautéed fresh spinach and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The pizza dough crisps beautifully in a hot oven, making it a perfect quick and flavorful meal or appetizer.
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, for a bit of heat)
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 in the oven while it preheats to ensure it’s evenly heated for a crisp crust.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and milk, mixing well. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Wilt the Spinach: In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess moisture if needed.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired size and thickness. If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel for easy transfer to the oven.
- Brush Dough with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to promote crispiness in the crust during baking.
- Add Sauce: Evenly spread the prepared white garlic sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Spinach and Cheeses: Distribute the wilted spinach evenly over the sauce. Dollop the ricotta cheese over the spinach, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza on the preheated pizza stone or directly on the oven rack if not using a stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, optionally garnish with fresh basil or oregano for a burst of fresh herb flavor. Slice and serve your Spinach White Pizza hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven before baking.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheeses with appropriate non-dairy alternatives.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
- Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Use fresh herbs as garnish to enhance aroma and presentation right before serving.
