Is there anything better than the smell of pizza wafting through your kitchen? It just seems to bring everything together. Whether it’s game night or a casual weekend dinner, pizza has a way of making everything feel festive.
The freshness of the spinach on this pizza harmonizes wonderfully with the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and the melty cheese. It’s a delightful option that complements a simple side salad or grilled vegetables—both perfect companions for this vibrant dish.
Fresh spinach pizza has become a staple in my home, especially during those busy weeknights when I want something wholesome and easy to whip up. Spinach isn’t just nutritious; it adds a unique earthiness and depth to the dish.
With melted cheese and a drizzle of tangy Alfredo sauce, this pizza is a party on a plate. It’s simple, delicious, and fun to make, making it a perfect candidate for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
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What is the flavor profile of this dish?
This pizza boasts a delightful mix of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. The umami-rich Alfredo sauce melts beautifully with the mozzarella or fontina, creating a luscious base. Then, the brightness of the spinach adds a pop of freshness and just a hint of bitterness, perfectly balanced with the richness of the cheeses. A sprinkle of crumbled feta brings a salty tang, while the optional pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick. Each bite will make you smile, and before you know it, you’ll be reaching for another slice.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Fresh Spinach Pizza?
What sets this spinach pizza apart from the rest? Instead of relying solely on tomato sauce and traditional toppings, this recipe introduces a creamier alternative—Alfredo sauce. This change not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the entire experience, giving your pizza a feel of indulgence while keeping it nutritious. Plus, the combination of chickpeas with fresh herbs provides a unique textural contrast and added protein, making this dish a standout.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for your fresh spinach pizza, slightly reworded and jazzed up for both flavor and flair:
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 clove of garlic, sliced thinly
– 2 teaspoons of Italian herb blend (Greek seasoning is fine too)
– A pinch of table salt
– A dash of black pepper
– 10 cups of baby spinach (roughly 1-10 ounce package)
– Additional flour for dusting
– 1 pound of prepared pizza dough (whole grain is a great choice) at room temperature
– 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce (I recommend Rao’s for quality)
– 6 ounces of low-moisture mozzarella or a flavorful fontina, shredded (about three-quarters of a cup)
– 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, divided
– A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended for a kick!)
– Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and a handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Ingredients From : healthyseasonalrecipes.com
How to make Fresh Spinach Pizza?
Getting your hands on pizza dough and fresh ingredients is the first step to creating this masterpiece. It’s a straightforward process, allowing you to channel your inner pizzaiolo in no time! Here’s a simple guide you can follow.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to get your oven ready. Place the oven rack in the center, and if you’re using a pizza stone, make sure to set it up on the rack while preheating. You’ll want to preheat your oven to a toasty 500°F. This high temperature is key to achieving that wonderful golden crust that we all crave!
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach
Get a large non-stick skillet on medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Heat until it shimmers—this is when you know it’s ready. Toss in the sliced garlic and stir, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma will hit you, and you’ll be ready for those greens! Add the baby spinach, Italian herb blend, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, allowing the spinach to wilt and the water to evaporate—this should take around 3 minutes. It’s all about getting that perfect, tender spinach mix to layer onto your pizza.
Step 3: Cool the Spinach
Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it onto a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb any excess moisture while it cools off, giving you about 10 minutes to focus on your dough.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough using a rolling pin. Aim to shape it into about a 12-inch circle. Don’t sweat it if it’s not a perfect circle; rustic is charming! Once you have it roughly shaped, transfer the dough onto a large piece of parchment paper set on a cookie sheet or a pizza peel.
Step 5: Create the Crust
Now, let’s form the crust! Use your fingers to press outward to create a raised edge around the outer rim, about 1 inch thick. This part is crucial as it holds all your delicious toppings in.
Step 6: Spread the Alfredo Sauce
Grab your Alfredo sauce and spread it evenly over the pizza dough, leaving the 1-inch border untouched. This creamy layer will be the base for all your toppings!
Step 7: Add the Spinach
Using tongs, distribute the cooled spinach mixture evenly over the sauce. This will be your flavorful filling.
Step 8: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese generously over the spinach, followed by the crumbled feta. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top too—this is where things get exciting!
Step 9: Bake the Pizza
Here comes the fun part! Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or directly onto the oven rack. If you’re using a baking pan, just place it in the center of the oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely—you’re looking for those beautiful golden edges and melty cheese.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a minute. Slice it up, serve it to family or friends, and prepare for a chorus of “Mmm!” as you all enjoy your creation.
Tips On Making Fresh Spinach Pizza
– Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients, especially the spinach and cheese, makes a huge difference in flavor. Always opt for fresh.
– Rolling Out Dough: If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your surface and hands. Keep it moving to prevent sticking.
– Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker crust, shape the dough into a smaller circle. It will rise more during baking.
– Cheese Choices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses. Goat cheese or a blend of cheeses can add complexity.
– Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can elevate your pizza!
Storage Tips
If you end up with leftover pizza (which is a rarity, but it happens!), cool it to room temperature and store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or simply pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Serving Suggestions
– Tossed Green Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette adds a fresh crunch.
– Grilled Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, peppers, and asparagus make for a wonderful side.
– Fruit Salad: For a sweet touch, serve it alongside a light fruit salad for dessert.
– Herbed Yogurt Dip: A dollop of yogurt seasoned with garlic and herbs can complement the pizza beautifully.
– Chilled Wine: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon will refresh your palate.
If Some Ingredients Are Not Available in Your Kitchen, What Are Some Substitute Options?
– Instead of Alfredo Sauce: Try using pesto or even a homemade white sauce for a different flavor.
– Feta Cheese Swap: Goat cheese or ricotta can also provide a nice tang and creaminess.
– If You Don’t Have Spinach: Kale can be a good alternative; just chop it finely and sauté it more thoroughly to soften it.
– Pizza Dough: If time doesn’t allow, get a pre-made pizza crust from the store. Whole-grain options are common.
– Cheese Options: If mozzarella isn’t available, Monterey Jack or even a vegan cheese can do the trick.
Fresh Spinach Pizza
Equipment
- large skillet
- Oven
- Pizza Peel
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll need for your fresh spinach pizza slightly reworded and jazzed up for both flavor and flair:
- – 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- – 1 clove of garlic sliced thinly
- – 2 teaspoons of Italian herb blend Greek seasoning is fine too
- – A pinch of table salt
- – A dash of black pepper
- – 10 cups of baby spinach roughly 1-10 ounce package
- – Additional flour for dusting
- – 1 pound of prepared pizza dough whole grain is a great choice at room temperature
- – 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce I recommend Rao’s for quality
- – 6 ounces of low-moisture mozzarella or a flavorful fontina shredded (about three-quarters of a cup)
- – 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese divided
- – A pinch of red pepper flakes optional, but recommended for a kick!
– Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and a handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- First things first, you’ll want to get your oven ready. Place the oven rack in the center, and if you’re using a pizza stone, make sure to set it up on the rack while preheating. You’ll want to preheat your oven to a toasty 500°F. This high temperature is key to achieving that wonderful golden crust that we all crave!
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach
- Get a large non-stick skillet on medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Heat until it shimmers—this is when you know it’s ready. Toss in the sliced garlic and stir, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma will hit you, and you’ll be ready for those greens! Add the baby spinach, Italian herb blend, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, allowing the spinach to wilt and the water to evaporate—this should take around 3 minutes. It’s all about getting that perfect, tender spinach mix to layer onto your pizza.
Step 3: Cool the Spinach
- Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it onto a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb any excess moisture while it cools off, giving you about 10 minutes to focus on your dough.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough using a rolling pin. Aim to shape it into about a 12-inch circle. Don’t sweat it if it’s not a perfect circle; rustic is charming! Once you have it roughly shaped, transfer the dough onto a large piece of parchment paper set on a cookie sheet or a pizza peel.
Step 5: Create the Crust
- Now, let’s form the crust! Use your fingers to press outward to create a raised edge around the outer rim, about 1 inch thick. This part is crucial as it holds all your delicious toppings in.
Step 6: Spread the Alfredo Sauce
- Grab your Alfredo sauce and spread it evenly over the pizza dough, leaving the 1-inch border untouched. This creamy layer will be the base for all your toppings!
Step 7: Add the Spinach
- Using tongs, distribute the cooled spinach mixture evenly over the sauce. This will be your flavorful filling.
Step 8: Cheese It Up
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese generously over the spinach, followed by the crumbled feta. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top too—this is where things get exciting!
Step 9: Bake the Pizza
- Here comes the fun part! Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or directly onto the oven rack. If you’re using a baking pan, just place it in the center of the oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely—you’re looking for those beautiful golden edges and melty cheese.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
- Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a minute. Slice it up, serve it to family or friends, and prepare for a chorus of “Mmm!” as you all enjoy your creation.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach mixture and sauce ahead, and keep the dough ready. Assemble and bake it just before serving for a fresh taste.
2. Is this pizza kid-friendly?
For sure! Kids love pizza, and the creamy sauce and cheese will appeal to their taste buds. You can even let them help with toppings.
3. Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and it should last for up to a month. Bake from frozen—it may need a few extra minutes.
4. What if I want more veggies?
Feel free to pile on more vegetables! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts are great additions that roast well with the pizza.
5. What other protein options can I include?
Cooked chicken or roasted chickpeas can boost the protein content of your pizza. Just add them on top before baking.
Conclusion
Fresh spinach pizza presents an exciting twist on classic flavors, drawing in everyone with its creamy goodness and nutritional boosts. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, it’s sure to impress.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating this vibrant dish. With each slice, you’re not just sharing a meal – you’re crafting happy memories in the kitchen! Now, who’s ready for a slice?
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