Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza Recipe

This flavorful and delightful pizza recipe is a perfect blend of vibrant spinach, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, bringing an extraordinary twist to your regular pizza. The freshness of the spinach pairs wonderfully with the salty feta and the crunch of the pine nuts, creating a unique and delicious pizza experience that will leave you craving for more.

Photos of Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza Recipe

Although most of the ingredients are readily available in your pantry, you might need to make a quick trip to the supermarket for a few items. Fresh spinach is key to the flavor of this pizza; you could substitute it with frozen spinach, but the taste and texture won't be the same. The same goes for feta cheese - it's a unique, crumbly cheese with a distinct flavor that can't be replaced. Pine nuts, while not a common ingredient in many households, add a delightful crunch to this pizza.

Ingredients Needed for Spinach, Feta and Pine Nut Pizza

Warm water: This is used to activate the yeast for the pizza dough.

Dry yeast: This is an essential ingredient for making the pizza dough rise.

Olive oil: Used to brush the pizza dough and for making the dough.

Honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the salty feta.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Italian seasoning: Adds the classic Italian flavor to the dough.

All-purpose flour: The base for the pizza dough.

Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the pizza.

Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty flavor to balance the spinach.

Pine nuts: Provides a crunchy texture to the pizza.

Fresh basil: Gives an aromatic flavor to the pizza.

One reader, Emmery Arndt says:

This spinach, feta, and pine nut pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The crust is perfectly crispy, and the toppings are a match made in heaven. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a unique and delicious pizza experience.

Emmery Arndt

Techniques Required for Making Spinach, Feta and Pine Nut Pizza

How to prepare pizza dough: Combine warm water, dry yeast, olive oil, honey, salt, Italian seasoning, and all-purpose flour. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size.

How to roll out pizza dough: Dust the work surface with flour, then roll out the pizza dough into the desired shape and thickness using a rolling pin.

How to assemble the pizza: Brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil, then top it with fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and pine nuts. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped basil.

How to bake the pizza: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese and pine nuts are lightly browned.

How to serve the pizza: Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

How To Make Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza

The star of this pine nut pizza is the perfectly roasted nuts that added great textures and flavors to the already tasty combo of spinach, onion, & feta.

Preparation: 5 hours 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 5 hours 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupwarm water
1½tspdry yeast,from packet
1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1tsphoney
1tspsalt
1tspItalian seasoning,optional
1½cupall-purpose flour
fresh spinach,washed and drained
feta cheese,crumbled
pine nuts
1tbspolive oil
1tbspfresh basil,finely chopped, optional

Instructions

For Bread Machine:

Place pizza dough ingredients in bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select “dough” setting, and begin.
Remove dough when the cycle is complete, and roll out into desired shape and place on a floured (or cornmeal-dusted) baking sheet or pizza peel.

By Hand:

Pour water into a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over; stir to blend. Let stand 10 minutes to dissolve yeast.
Add oil, salt, honey (and optional herbs), then flour. Stir until well blended (dough will be sticky).
Turn dough out onto a generously floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding just enough flour to prevent dough from sticking (dough will be soft).
Shape dough into ball; place in a large oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with a kitchen towel. Let dough rise at cool room temperature until almost doubled. This will take about 2 hours.
Punch dough down; form into a ball. Return to bowl; cover with a towel and let rise for about 3 hours or until doubled.
Remove dough, dust with flour, and roll out into desired shape and place on a floured (or cornmeal-dusted) baking sheet or pizza peel.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Brush dough lightly with olive oil, and then top with spinach, feta, and pine nuts. Sprinkle with chopped basil if desired.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crust is golden and the cheese and pine nuts are lightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 241.38kcal
Fat: 7.35g
Saturated Fat: 1.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.91g
Carbohydrates: 38.02g
Fiber: 1.78g
Sugar: 1.58g
Protein: 5.50g
Sodium: 237.76mg
Calcium: 15.03mg
Potassium: 69.50mg
Iron: 2.58mg
Vitamin A: 2.22µg
Vitamin C: 0.26mg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Crust

When preparing your spinach, feta and pine nut pizza, it's important to remember that the pine nuts can burn easily due to their high oil content. To prevent this, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat before adding them to the pizza. This not only enhances their flavor but also gives them a bit of a head start, so they don't burn in the high heat of the oven. Also, when adding the spinach, make sure it's dry to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Pizza Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the pizza dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save time on the day you plan to make the pizza.

Use pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed spinach to eliminate the need for washing and drying, saving valuable prep time.

Pre-toast pine nuts: Toast the pine nuts in advance and store them in an airtight container. This will save time during pizza assembly.

Pre-cut feta: Purchase pre-cut feta to save time on slicing and preparing the cheese for the pizza.

Multi-task: While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings and preheat the oven to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza Recipe

spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and flavor to spinach, and it holds up well when cooked, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor similar to feta and a creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement in this pizza recipe.
pine nuts - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to pine nuts, making them a good alternative in this pizza recipe.

Best Way to Present Spinach, Feta and Pine Nut Pizza

Artfully arrange the spinach: Gently place the fresh spinach on top of the pizza in an aesthetically pleasing manner, ensuring even distribution and a visually appealing presentation.
Crumble the feta with precision: Carefully crumble the feta cheese over the pizza, ensuring that each piece is evenly distributed and adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
Sprinkle the pine nuts delicately: Sprinkle the pine nuts over the pizza, paying attention to even distribution and ensuring that they add a delightful crunch to each slice.
Drizzle with a touch of olive oil: Using a steady hand, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pizza, adding a glossy finish and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
Garnish with fresh basil: Place a few carefully selected fresh basil leaves on top of the pizza, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making This Pizza Recipe

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and cooking, it provides the heat needed to cook the pizza to perfection.
Bread machine: This handy appliance is used to knead and proof the pizza dough, making the process much easier and more efficient.
Baking sheet or pizza peel: These are used to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven, providing a stable surface for baking.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the pizza dough ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.
Food processor: Useful for chopping or blending ingredients such as fresh basil or other herbs for the pizza topping.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the pizza dough to the desired thickness and shape.
Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises, keeping it at the right temperature and preventing it from drying out.
Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients for the pizza dough and toppings.
Pastry brush: Used to lightly brush the pizza dough with olive oil before adding the toppings.
Cutting board and knife: These are used for chopping and preparing the fresh spinach and feta cheese for the pizza topping.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover Pizza Slices

Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy and the toppings from sliding off.
To store leftover pizza in the refrigerator, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, the pizza will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza:
- Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped slices 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 for easy reference.
- Frozen pizza will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated pizza, place the slices on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy.
For frozen pizza, you can either:
- Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven as mentioned above, or
- Place the frozen slices directly on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in a skillet over medium heat. Place the slices in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Avoid microwaving the pizza, as it can make the crust soggy and the toppings rubbery. However, if you must use a microwave, place the slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

How To Reheat Leftover 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 crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
For a quicker option, use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the cheese is melted. The lid helps trap the heat and moisture, ensuring the toppings are heated through without drying out.
If you have a toaster oven, it's an excellent choice for reheating small amounts of leftover pizza. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices directly on the rack. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through. Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent burning.
For a crispy crust without using an oven, try reheating the pizza in a waffle iron. Preheat the waffle iron and place a slice of pizza on the grid. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through. This method adds a unique texture to the crust while efficiently reheating the pizza.
If you want to maintain the softness of the crust, microwave reheating is an option. Place a slice of pizza on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the toppings are heated through. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, place a glass of water in the microwave alongside the pizza. The water helps absorb excess moisture, keeping the crust from becoming too soft.

Random Fact About Spinach, Feta and Pine Nut Pizza

Spinach, feta and pine nut pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. Spinach is a great source of iron and feta cheese adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Pine nuts provide a crunchy texture and are a good source of healthy fats. This pizza is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while still enjoying a classic comfort food.

Is Making This Pizza Recipe at Home Economical?

This spinach, feta, and pine nut pizza recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as spinach, feta, and pine nuts, are reasonably priced and can be used in various other dishes. The addition of fresh basil enhances the flavor and adds a touch of freshness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, flavor, and budget-friendly nature.

Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spinach, feta, and pine nut pizza recipe is a relatively healthy choice compared to traditional pizzas. Here's why:

The recipe uses a homemade pizza dough, which allows for better control over the ingredients and reduces the likelihood of added preservatives or unhealthy fats.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
Feta cheese, although high in sodium, is lower in calories and fat compared to other cheeses commonly used on pizzas, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, but they are calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
The recipe calls for a modest amount of olive oil, which is a healthier fat option compared to butter or other oils.

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

Use a whole wheat or multigrain flour for the pizza dough to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
Reduce the amount of feta cheese used, or opt for a lower-sodium variety to minimize the overall sodium content of the pizza
Add more vegetables to the pizza, such as sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions, to increase the vitamin and fiber content
Use a light hand when brushing the dough with olive oil to reduce the overall calorie and fat content
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic or red pepper flakes, to add flavor without increasing the calorie or sodium content

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Pizza Combination

As a culinary expert, I find this spinach, feta, and pine nut pizza recipe to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh spinach and feta cheese provides a vibrant and savory element, while the pine nuts add a delightful crunch. The dough, whether made in a bread machine or by hand, promises a light and airy crust. The addition of olive oil and fresh basil enhances the overall aroma and taste of the pizza. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a gourmet pizza night at home, and it's sure to impress with its Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Enhance Your Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Honey Sriracha Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob brushed with a sticky honey sriracha glaze, adding a spicy-sweet kick to this classic side dish.

Other Alternative Pizza Recipes to Try

Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground lamb, rice, and Mediterranean spices, then baked to perfection.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: This succulent roasted chicken is infused with the bright flavors of lemon and garlic, creating a delicious and aromatic main dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Berry Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy and satisfying dessert is made with fresh berries, chia seeds, and a touch of honey, creating a creamy and nutritious treat that's perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for a Complete Pizza Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic piled onto crispy slices of toasted baguette. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza Recipe:

This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining the earthy richness of spinach with the tangy saltiness of feta cheese and the nutty crunch of pine nuts. The dough is made with care, ensuring a light and crispy base that complements the toppings. The use of fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. Trust in the quality of the ingredients, the thoughtful preparation, and the delightful outcome.

Share your thoughts on this Spinach, Feta & Pine Nut Pizza recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

How can I make the pizza dough without a bread machine?

To make the pizza dough without a bread machine, you can mix the warm water, yeast, olive oil, honey, salt, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Then, gradually add the flour and mix until well blended. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a large oiled bowl until doubled in size, which will take about 2-3 hours.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a blend of different cheeses can work well with this pizza. Feel free to experiment and use your favorite cheese.

How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

You'll know the pizza is done baking when the crust is golden and the cheese and pine nuts are lightly browned. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes in a preheated 450°F oven. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn't overcook.

Can I add other toppings to the pizza?

Absolutely! You can customize the pizza with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, onions, or even some cooked chicken or shrimp. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as it can affect the overall texture and flavor.

Can I prepare the pizza dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance. After the dough has risen, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to make the pizza, simply take the dough out of the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, then roll it out and add your toppings before baking.