Are you in search of a delicious and healthier alternative to your classic pizza? Look no further because this spinach pizza recipe is here to satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.
With its perfect balance of cheesy goodness and leafy greens, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering spinach pizza that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this delectable spin on the traditional pizza!
About Spinach Pizza
Before we delve into the details of the recipe, let’s first understand what spinach pizza is. Also known as pizza bianca or white pizza, it is a type of pizza that doesn’t have tomato sauce as its base.
Instead, it features a layer of olive oil or garlic butter before toppings are added. In this case, sautéed spinach serves as the main topping, giving the pizza its name.
Ingredients Used In Spinach Pizza Recipe
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly goes into making a delicious spinach pizza? Well, let’s take a look at the key ingredients used in this spinach pizza recipe.
1. Pizza dough: The foundation of any pizza, the dough is what holds everything together. You can either make your pizza dough from scratch or use store-bought pre-made dough.
2. Olive oil & garlic: The combination of olive oil and garlic is what gives this pizza its distinct flavor. Infused into the dough or brushed onto the crust, it adds a subtle hint of richness that complements the spinach and cheese.
3. Mozzarella cheese: Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild flavor, mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza. It provides the perfect cheesy base that binds the other ingredients together.
4. Spinach: A powerhouse of nutrients, spinach not only adds a vibrant green color to the pizza but also balances out the richness of the cheeses.
5. Feta cheese: Another type of cheese used in this recipe, feta offers a tangy and salty contrast to the milder mozzarella. Its crumbly texture adds an interesting element to each bite.
6. Salt and pepper: These simple yet essential seasonings help bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients and add depth to the overall taste.
How To Make Spinach Pizza?
Are you done salivating over the list of ingredients? Now, let’s get into the fun part – making your very own spinach pizza!
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Begin your pizza-making journey by preheating the oven. Crank it up to a toasty 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
This high temperature is crucial as it mimics the intense heat of a traditional pizza oven, ensuring your crust turns out crisp and golden.
Step 2: Warm Garlic In Olive Oil
While the oven is preheating, set a small pan over low heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm gently, then add minced garlic.
You want the garlic to infuse into the oil without browning, so keep an eye on it and remove it from heat if necessary.
Step 3: Roll Out The Pizza Dough
After your garlic-infused olive oil is ready, it’s time to focus on the pizza dough. Dust a clean surface with flour to prevent sticking, and roll out your dough to the desired thickness.
Aiming for a 12-inch diameter is standard for a well-balanced crust, not too thick or too thin. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature first – this makes it easier to work with and helps to avoid any tearing.
The key here is to press from the center outwards, creating a small lip around the edges for that quintessential pizza crust puff. When you’ve achieved the perfect shape, transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Apply Garlic Oil To The Crust
Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread your aromatic garlic olive oil evenly across the surface of your crust, starting at the center and working toward the edges but stopping just before you reach the lip.
This layering not only prevents the crust from becoming soggy from the toppings but also imparts a delicious flavor to the bread itself. It’s your secret touch that will make this spinach pizza stand out.
Step 5: Add The Cheeses
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, ensuring an even distribution so that every bite comes with a stretchy cheese pull.
Then, crumble feta cheese over the mozzarella layer. This dual-cheese strategy brings both creamy and sharp notes to your pizza, creating a complex taste profile.
Step 6: Prepare and Add The Spinach
While the cheeses begin to settle, turn your attention to the spinach. In the same pan used for the garlic oil, toss the fresh spinach leaves over medium heat until they wilt down; this should take just a couple of minutes.
Season the sautéed spinach with salt and pepper to taste. Adding the greens while they’re warm to the pizza helps meld the flavors together.
Spread the wilted spinach evenly over the cheese-covered dough, covering every inch to ensure a harmonious blend of ingredients in every slice.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Ready To Bake
Once the spinach is positioned on the pie, take a moment to season the entire creation with a final pinch of salt and a crack of fresh pepper. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a subtle layer of spice.
Slide your spinach pizza from the peel or inverted baking sheet onto the preheated oven rack or pizza stone in the center of your oven. Keep an eye on it; baking time will vary based on your oven and crust thickness.
Step 8: Bake To Perfection
Bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes or until you notice the crust has turned a glorious golden brown and the cheese has melted and started to bubble.
Oven hot spots can cause uneven cooking, so you might want to rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking time for a uniformly crisp crust.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the pizza from the oven, letting it rest for a couple of minutes on a cutting board. This short wait allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier.
The aroma of garlic, the sight of the melty, bubbling cheese, and the earthy green of the spinach beckoning – slice your masterpiece into wedges and serve immediately.
Your homemade spinach pizza is not only a healthier alternative to traditional choices but a delectable treat that’s sure to impress.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious spinach pizza that’s bursting with flavors and nutrients.
Conclusion
In short, now you know all about the spinach pizza recipe. You’ve learned about the ingredients, their roles in creating a tasty pizza, and how to make it step by step.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start making your very own spinach pizza today!
Spinach Pizza
Ingredients
- Your favorite pizza dough, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Flour for dusting
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until aromatic - do not brown.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch diameter and place it on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush the dough with the garlic-infused olive oil, avoiding the edges.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella, followed by crumbled feta cheese evenly over the dough.
- Sauté spinach leaves until wilted, then season with salt and pepper. Distribute the spinach over the cheese.
- Add a final seasoning of salt and pepper, then bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy!