Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe

This spinach artichoke pizza combines the creamy goodness of spinach and artichokes with the cheesy delight of a pizza. This recipe transforms the classic Italian dish into a sumptuous and healthy meal. The ingredients used elevate the pizza's flavor and offer a nutritious twist to your regular pizza.

Photos of Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe

Most of the ingredients required for this recipe can be easily found in your local supermarket. However, the artichoke hearts might be less common in some households. They can be found in the canned vegetables section at the supermarket. Be sure to have a good quality pizza stone and pizza peel for the best results.

Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Pizza dough: Used as the base for our pizza. You can either make it at home or buy it from a local bakery or supermarket.

Fresh spinach: This green leafy vegetable offers a great source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the spinach béchamel sauce.

All purpose flour: Used to thicken the béchamel sauce.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the béchamel sauce.

Onion powder: This adds a subtle onion flavor to the béchamel sauce.

Garlic: Adds a distinctive, robust flavor to the pizza topping.

Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sauteing the spinach and brushing the pizza crust.

Provolone cheese: A semi-hard cheese that melts well, adding a nutty, savory flavor to the pizza.

Mozzarella cheese: This cheese gives our pizza a gooey, stretchy texture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the pizza.

Artichoke hearts: Adds a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the pizza.

Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spiciness to the pizza. Adjust according to your tolerance for heat.

One reader, Daniele Hitt says:

This spinach artichoke pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The creamy spinach béchamel sauce and the artichoke hearts create a perfect harmony. The crust turns out crispy and golden, and the blend of cheeses is just heavenly. A must-try for pizza lovers!

Daniele Hitt

Essential Techniques for Making Spinach Artichoke Pizza

How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to shape pizza dough: Stretch and shape the pizza dough over a sheet of parchment paper to a 13-inch round, creating a taller rim along the outer edge.

How to brush pizza crust: Brush the shaped pizza dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly season the crust with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to sauté spinach: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ¾ of the spinach and sauté just until wilted. Transfer to a layer of paper towels, gently press out excess liquid, finely chop, and set aside.

How to make béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and onion powder, then slowly stir in milk. Increase the temperature to medium-high heat and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and stir in minced garlic and sautéed chopped spinach.

How to assemble the pizza: Spread the spinach béchamel sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving the rim uncoated. Sprinkle chopped, fresh spinach over the sauce followed by provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, and chopped artichokes.

How to bake the pizza: Slide a pizza peel under the parchment paper and carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

How to serve: Cut the pizza into slices and serve warm, sprinkled with red pepper flakes to taste if desired.

How To Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza

This delicious spinach artichoke pizza comes with white sauce topped with provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a surely cheesy loaded slice.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

16ozpizza dough,homemade or store bought
8ozfresh spinach,divided
2tbspbutter
2tbspall purpose flour
¾cupmilk
¼tsponion powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1clovegarlic,minced
2tbspextra virgin olive oil,divided
4ozprovolone cheese,(1 cup)
2ozmozzarella cheese,½ cup, shredded
2ozParmesan cheese,finely shredded, slightly packed ½ cup
8canartichoke hearts,drained well and quartered, don’t use marinated
red pepper flakes,for serving, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Place the pizza stone in preheated oven and allow to rest in the oven for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, stretch and shape pizza dough over a sheet of parchment paper to a 13-inch round, while creating a taller rim along the outer edge.
Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season crust lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then allow to rest while pizza stone preheats. (If the pizza crust has been refrigerated, be sure to bring it to room temperature first, then shape and let it rest the 20 minutes).
In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add ¾ of the spinach and saute just until wilted.
Transfer to a layer of paper towels and gently press some of the excess liquid out. Finely chop spinach and set it aside.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then while whisking add in flour and onion powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Then while whisking slowly stir in milk and increase the temperature to medium-high heat and cook, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in minced garlic and sautéed chopped spinach. Chop remaining fresh spinach (to get about 1½ cups chopped). Set aside
To assemble the pizza, spread the spinach béchamel sauce (the white sauce) evenly over the pizza crust, leaving the rim uncoated.
Sprinkle chopped, fresh spinach over sauce followed by provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses and chopped artichokes.
Cut into slices and serve warm sprinkled with red pepper flakes to taste if desired.
Slide a pizza peel under the parchment paper and carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone in the oven.
Bake 10 to 13 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 574.47kcal
Fat: 26.48g
Saturated Fat: 12.69g
Trans Fat: 0.19g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.51g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.54g
Carbohydrates: 60.38g
Fiber: 7.51g
Sugar: 3.84g
Protein: 25.50g
Cholesterol: 49.32mg
Sodium: 1108.74mg
Calcium: 565.66mg
Potassium: 726.38mg
Iron: 5.30mg
Vitamin A: 368.69µg
Vitamin C: 21.01mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Spinach Artichoke Pizza

When preparing the spinach for this pizza recipe, it's important to remove as much moisture as possible after sautéing. Excess moisture can make the pizza soggy and affect the overall texture. To do this, after sautéing the spinach, transfer it to a layer of paper towels and gently press to remove some of the excess liquid. This will ensure a crispier and more flavorful pizza.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pizza Recipe

Prep ahead: Make the spinach artichoke mixture and pizza dough in advance, so when it's time to assemble the pizza, you can simply spread the toppings and bake.

Use store-bought dough: Save time by using pre-made pizza dough from the store instead of making it from scratch.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and preparation.

Double the recipe: Make two pizzas at once and freeze one for later, saving time on future meal prep.

Prep the ingredients: Chop, shred, and measure all the ingredients before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan cooking: Use one pan to sauté the spinach and make the béchamel sauce to minimize cleanup time.

Bake on parchment: Use parchment paper to assemble and bake the pizza, making cleanup a breeze.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe

pizza dough - Substitute with cauliflower crust: A cauliflower crust can be used as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza dough, adding a different texture and flavor to the pizza.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to the pizza.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a similar richness and flavor to the dish.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, providing a suitable alternative for thickening the sauce.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk, providing a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor to the sauce.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Shallots can be used as a fresh alternative to onion powder, adding a milder and more aromatic flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
provolone cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese can be used as a substitute for provolone, offering a rich and creamy flavor that melts beautifully on the pizza.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda cheese: Smoked gouda cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, adding a unique smoky flavor and creamy texture to the pizza.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, providing a similar salty and tangy flavor to the pizza.
artichoke hearts - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute for artichoke hearts, adding a sweet and smoky flavor to the pizza.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes, providing a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

How to Present Spinach Artichoke Pizza for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the pizza crust: Instead of a traditional round shape, consider shaping the pizza dough into a rectangle or oval to give it a modern and sophisticated look.
Artful arrangement of toppings: Arrange the spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheeses in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each slice will be a work of art.
Garnish with vibrant greens: After baking, sprinkle the pizza with fresh, vibrant spinach leaves to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Personalized pizza slices: Consider cutting the pizza into smaller, bite-sized pieces, allowing the guests to enjoy the flavors without feeling overwhelmed by a large slice.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the pizza on a sleek, rectangular serving platter or a wooden pizza board to enhance the overall presentation.
Artistic drizzle: Finish the pizza with a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add a touch of elegance and enhance the flavors.
Incorporate edible flowers: Consider adding edible flowers as a garnish to bring a touch of sophistication and a subtle floral note to the dish.
Customized plating: Consider serving individual portions on unique, artisanal plates to showcase the pizza as a gourmet creation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Pizza stone: A thick, flat cooking surface designed to evenly distribute heat and create a crispy crust.
Sheet of parchment paper: Used for easy transfer of the pizza onto the hot pizza stone in the oven.
Large saucepan: Ideal for sautéing the spinach and preparing the béchamel sauce.
Small saucepan: Used for making the béchamel sauce.
Whisk: Essential for stirring and blending ingredients, particularly when making the béchamel sauce.
Pizza peel: A tool for transferring the pizza onto the hot pizza stone in the oven.
Oven: Used for baking the pizza at a high temperature to achieve a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Allow the spinach artichoke pizza to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat refrigerated pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled pizza:
- Wrap the pizza tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped pizza in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen pizza, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the pizza and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices of frozen pizza in a toaster oven or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through and crispy.
For best results, consume frozen spinach artichoke pizza within 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method helps restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
If you prefer a softer crust, place the pizza slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the pizza is heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the pizza from drying out during reheating.
For a crispy crust without using an oven, heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method creates a crispy crust while melting the cheese and heating the toppings.
If you have a toaster oven, place the pizza slices on the toaster oven tray and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method is perfect for reheating small portions of pizza quickly and efficiently.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover pizza into a breakfast dish. In a non-stick skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Place the pizza slice in the skillet, crust-side down, and crack an egg on top of the pizza. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the egg is set to your desired doneness. This method creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast using leftover pizza.

Interesting Trivia About Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Spinach artichoke pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. It combines the goodness of spinach and artichokes with a creamy white sauce and three different types of cheese. This unique pizza is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a classic comfort food. Plus, it's a fun and creative way to switch up your pizza night routine!

Is Making Spinach Artichoke Pizza at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this spinach artichoke pizza recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. While spinach and artichokes can be relatively affordable, the cost may increase with the inclusion of specialty cheeses like provolone and parmesan. The use of fresh ingredients and homemade pizza dough can enhance the flavor but may also increase the overall cost. Considering the potential for leftovers and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe could be rated 8/10 for taste and creativity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30.

Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spinach artichoke pizza recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, but it still has some areas for improvement. The recipe incorporates nutritious ingredients like spinach and artichokes, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses provides a good source of protein and calcium. However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of butter, flour, and milk, which can contribute to a higher calorie and fat content.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for a whole wheat or cauliflower pizza crust to increase fiber intake and reduce refined carbohydrates
Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used, or choose low-fat varieties to decrease the overall fat content
Incorporate additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient density of the pizza
Use a lighter milk option, such as skim or almond milk, in the béchamel sauce to lower the calorie and fat content
Experiment with using a tomato-based sauce instead of the béchamel sauce for a lower-calorie alternative
Serve the pizza with a side salad to increase the overall vegetable intake and create a more balanced meal

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on Spinach Artichoke Pizza

The spinach artichoke pizza recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy spinach béchamel sauce provides a luscious base, complemented by the earthy artichoke hearts and the trio of cheeses adding richness and depth. The combination of the crispy crust and the gooey cheese creates a satisfying contrast, while the hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate the classic pizza with a gourmet twist, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.

Enhance Your Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings: Spicy and sweet chicken wings coated in a sticky honey sriracha glaze, perfect for sharing with friends.

Mango Avocado Salsa: A refreshing and colorful salsa made with ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and zesty lime juice.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A velvety smooth tomato soup infused with fragrant basil and rich cream, perfect for dipping the pizza crust.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This hearty salad is packed with roasted vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, creating a flavorful and impressive dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Creamy coconut milk and sweet mango come together with nutritious chia seeds to create a delicious and healthy dessert or snack option.

Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Pizza Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Indulge in the classic Italian flavors of bruschetta, featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. A refreshing and light start to any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

Why trust this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it combines fresh spinach and artichoke hearts with a rich blend of provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. The creamy béchamel sauce is infused with aromatic garlic and seasoned to perfection. The crust is carefully prepared and baked on a hot pizza stone to achieve a golden brown finish. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the detailed instructions to create a mouthwatering spinach artichoke pizza that will surely impress your taste buds.

Want to share your own unique take on this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe. It's a convenient option and will work just as well as homemade dough.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the recipe.

Can I make the spinach artichoke pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach artichoke pizza ahead of time by prepping the toppings and storing them separately. When you're ready to serve, assemble the pizza and bake it fresh for the best results.

Can I substitute the artichoke hearts with another ingredient?

Absolutely, feel free to substitute the artichoke hearts with ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked chicken for a different flavor profile.

Can I freeze the leftover spinach artichoke pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover spinach artichoke pizza. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.