As I rolled out the dough for my latest pizza adventure, a wave of excitement washed over me— this wasn’t just any pizza night; it was time for my Spinach Ricotta Pizza. Gone are the days of traditional tomato sauce; this creation is elevated with a luscious ricotta base that hugs fresh spinach and zesty garlic, delivering an unforgettable, creamy twist that’s bound to wow anyone around the table. One of the best perks? This vegetarian delight comes together quickly, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that still feels indulgent. Plus, if you’re looking for a unique spin on pizza, look no further. Ready to transform your pizza game? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why choose Spinach Ricotta Pizza?
Deliciously Unique: This pizza redefines traditional flavors with a creamy ricotta base.
Vegetarian Delight: Perfect for those looking to enjoy a filling yet meat-free meal.
Quick Prep Time: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip this up in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for pizza night, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Endless Variation: Customize with different cheeses or spices for a personalized twist.
Don’t forget to check out our guide on how to make homemade pizza dough for an even fresher touch!
Spinach Ricotta Pizza Ingredients
• Get ready for a creamy delight!
For the Pizza Base
- Pizza Dough – Essential structure; you can use store-bought for convenience.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Enhances flavor and helps crisp the crust; great for brushing the dough’s edge.
For the Ricotta Topping
- Ricotta Cheese – The star of our Spinach Ricotta Pizza; use whole milk for a perfect creamy texture.
- Minced Garlic – Freshness that elevates the ricotta; just 1 tsp packs a flavorful punch.
- Italian Seasonings – Adds that classic herbaceous touch; use 1 tsp mixed into ricotta.
For the Pizza Toppings
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – The gooey hero of our pizza; fresh shredded melts beautifully.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach – A key veggie element; ensure it’s completely thawed and drained.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onions – Offers sharp crunch and flavor; spring onions work as a tasty alternative.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – A finishing touch for depth; consider Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Balances flavors; adjust according to taste, but avoid over-salting!
Now that you have everything ready, let’s bring this Spinach Ricotta Pizza to life!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spinach Ricotta Pizza
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 460°F (240°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy crust on your Spinach Ricotta Pizza. Allow your oven to fully heat while you prepare the dough, ensuring a golden finish when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a clean surface or large cutting board, roll out your pizza dough into a 15-16” round shape. If you’re using store-bought dough, simply lay it flat on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer. Aim for an even thickness, approximately 1/4 inch, and create a slight lip around the edge for the crust.
Step 3: Make Crust Preparation
In a small bowl, mix together the extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Use a brush to evenly coat the outer edge of the pizza dough with this flavorful mixture. This step will enhance the crust’s taste and give it a beautiful golden color while baking.
Step 4: Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasonings, and the minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended. This creamy mixture will serve as the foundation for your Spinach Ricotta Pizza, spreading a rich, decadent layer over the crust.
Step 5: Assemble Pizza
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring all edges are covered. Next, layer the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta and then distribute the drained frozen chopped spinach across the top. Finally, scatter the thinly sliced red onions followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the assembled Spinach Ricotta Pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-13 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the pizza is done when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. This visual cue signifies a perfect bake, ready to delight your family and friends!
What to Serve with Spinach Ricotta Pizza?
Enjoying a flavorful Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a delightful experience, but pairing it with the right accompaniments elevates the meal even further.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing blend of greens with a zesty vinaigrette brightens the meal and adds a crisp contrast to the creamy pizza.
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Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots seasoned with garlic and herbs offer a cozy, carb-laden companion that’s perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a sweet and savory counterpart to the pizza, enhancing the meal’s overall flavor profile and nutritional value.
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Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil introduces a fresh, tangy element that complements the savory richness of the pizza beautifully.
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Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio enhances the dish’s creamy notes and balances the meal with a refreshing acidity.
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Dessert: Finish off with a light dessert, like lemon sorbet, which provides a palate-cleansing effect and a bright ending to your dining experience.
Variations & Substitutions for Spinach Ricotta Pizza
Feel free to get creative with this Spinach Ricotta Pizza, blending in flavors that excite your taste buds!
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Cottage Cheese: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed option. It creates a similarly creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor.
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Feta Crumbles: For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Its salty, tangy essence beautifully complements the spinach and adds an exciting flavor contrast.
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Goat Cheese: Try using goat cheese instead of ricotta for a bold, earthy taste. The rich creaminess will elevate the pizza, providing a splendid depth of flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery twist. This exciting variation will bring the heat and surprise your guests with a savory punch that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese.
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Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by mixing in fresh basil or arugula after baking. The peppery freshness adds a delightful brightness to each slice.
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Olive Oil Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle extra-virgin olive oil on top for added richness. This elevates the overall flavor and gives a glossy finish to your pizza.
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Nut Crust: For a gluten-free option, use a nut-based crust made from almond or cauliflower. This adds a unique texture while keeping it healthy and delicious.
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Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal veggies like roasted bell peppers or artichokes to switch up the topping game. These vegetables will not only add color but also an array of flavors you’re bound to love.
Remember to check out our guide on how to make homemade pizza dough for a truly fresh start! Happy cooking!
Make Ahead Options
These Spinach Ricotta Pizzas are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can prepare the ricotta mixture and assemble the pizza, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. To maintain quality, ensure the drained frozen spinach is completely dry to avoid a soggy crust, and cover the pizza tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven to 460°F (240°C), remove the wrap, and bake for 12-13 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Enjoy this creamy Spinach Ricotta Pizza with minimal effort for a delicious homemade meal!
Expert Tips for Spinach Ricotta Pizza
- Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 460°F (240°C) for a crisp crust. Skipping this can lead to a soggy bottom.
- Drain Spinach Well: Avoid a watery pizza by pressing your frozen spinach firmly to remove excess moisture. This is a common mistake that can ruin the texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, choose high-quality ricotta and fresh garlic instead of powdered. Freshness makes a significant difference in your Spinach Ricotta Pizza.
- Consider Cheese Variations: Experiment with other cheeses like feta for added flavor. Mixing cheeses can pull your pizza to a new level of deliciousness!
- Layer Wisely: Spread toppings evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Unbalanced layers can lead to dry spots or overwhelming flavors in some areas.
Storage Tips for Spinach Ricotta Pizza
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This will help keep the flavors and textures intact, making each bite just as satisfying.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat your Spinach Ricotta Pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This ensures the crust stays crispy while the cheese melts beautifully.
Room Temperature: If left out, consume your pizza within 2 hours to ensure freshness and food safety.
Spinach Ricotta Pizza Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta cheese should I use for the pizza?
Absolutely! For the best creamy texture and flavor, I recommend using whole milk ricotta. It provides that luxurious richness that elevates your Spinach Ricotta Pizza to the next level. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat ricotta can be used, but keep in mind that it may not be as creamy.
How should I store leftovers of the Spinach Ricotta Pizza?
After enjoying your pizza, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let the pizza cool completely before sealing it in to preserve the flavors and texture. When you’re ready to heat it up, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Can I freeze the Spinach Ricotta Pizza?
Absolutely! To freeze your Spinach Ricotta Pizza, first, cut it into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be happily stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat straight from frozen by placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
What if my pizza crust is soggy after baking?
If you find your crust isn’t as crisp as you’d like, the likely culprit is excess moisture from either the spinach or the ricotta. To avoid this, ensure your spinach is thoroughly thawed and drained before adding it to the pizza. If you’re using fresh spinach, consider sautéing it briefly to evaporate any excess moisture. Also, pre-baking the crust for about 5 minutes before adding toppings can help firm it up.
Is this Spinach Ricotta Pizza suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, definitely! This Spinach Ricotta Pizza is entirely vegetarian-friendly, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a delicious meat-free meal. Just be sure to check that your pizza dough does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, such as certain types of cheese or gelatin.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh spinach! Just make sure to chop it finely and sauté it briefly in a pan to reduce its moisture before adding it to your pizza. This step helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy and adds a nice depth of flavor. Enjoy the freshness!
Irresistible Spinach Ricotta Pizza for a Cozy Night In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 460°F (240°C) for a crispy crust.
- Roll out pizza dough into a 15-16” round shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Mix extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasonings, kosher salt, and garlic powder; brush onto the dough edges.
- Combine ricotta cheese, remaining Italian seasonings, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread ricotta mixture over the dough, top with mozzarella, spinach, red onions, and Parmesan.
- Bake the pizza for 12-13 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
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