Spinach Ricotta Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese on a perfectly golden crust. It’s easy to make and brings a fresh, flavorful twist to your homemade pizza night.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. homemade pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tsp Italian seasonings, divided
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 8 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 460°F.
2. Step 2: Roll the pizza dough into a 15-16 inch round circle and place it on a piece of parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a small dish, combine the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture around the outer 1 inch of the dough to form the crust.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasonings, and minced garlic. Spread this ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough using an offset spatula.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer.
6. Step 6: Press the thawed spinach firmly in a colander to drain excess liquid, then sprinkle it evenly over the cheeses. Adjust the amount of spinach to your preference.
7. Step 7: Spread the thinly sliced red onions and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the spinach.
8. Step 8: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
• Swap fresh spinach for frozen if preferred, but be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid soggy pizza.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Try fresh basil leaves added after baking for a burst of fresh flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Sauté it briefly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the pizza to prevent sogginess.

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

Spinach Ricotta Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

This Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a delightful homemade pizza combining creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and nutritious spinach, all seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. The golden crust brushed with a flavorful olive oil mixture enhances the overall taste, making it a perfect meal for any pizza lover.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-13 minutes
• Total Time: 27-28 minutes
• Yield: 1 15-16 inch pizza, serves 3-4 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 16 oz. homemade pizza dough (can substitute store-bought dough)
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tsp Italian seasonings, divided
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

Cheese and Toppings

• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 8 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 460°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the pizza to a perfectly golden crust.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough into a round circle about 15-16 inches in diameter. Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling and transfer.
3. Create the Crust Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously around the outer 1-inch edge of the dough to form a flavorful crust.
4. Mix Ricotta Topping: Combine ricotta cheese with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir until well blended to infuse the creamy cheese with herb and garlic flavors.
5. Spread Ricotta Layer: Use an offset spatula to spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the center of the pizza dough, avoiding the oiled crust edge, creating a smooth base for other toppings.
6. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer to add gooey, melty richness to the pizza.
7. Prepare and Add Spinach: Place the thawed spinach in a colander and press firmly to drain as much liquid as possible. Evenly distribute the drained spinach over the cheese layers. Adjust the amount of spinach according to your preference.
8. Add Final Toppings: Spread thinly sliced red onions and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pizza, adding layers of flavor and texture.
9. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza with parchment paper onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake in the preheated oven at 460°F for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

• Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid a soggy pizza.
• Using parchment paper makes transferring the pizza to the oven easier and prevents sticking.
• You can adjust the amount of spinach according to your taste preference.
• For a crisper crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven before placing the pizza on it.
• Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and enhanced flavor melding.

Keywords: Spinach Ricotta Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Italian Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Vegetarian Pizza, Spinach Pizza Recipe