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
Scale
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.
