This Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a tasty treat that’s super easy to make! It features creamy ricotta cheese and fresh spinach piled on a crispy pizza crust—yum!
I love how this pizza feels fancy, yet it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I can’t help but add extra cheese on top—who can resist? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness to the pizza. If you want a lighter option, you can use cottage cheese instead. It’s similar in texture but has less fat.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for flavor and nutrients. If fresh spinach is unavailable, thawed frozen spinach works well too, just remember to squeeze out excess water!
Red Onion: I love the slight sweetness of red onion in this recipe. You can swap it with yellow onion or even shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! You can use provolone or even goat cheese for a tangy kick. Parmesan adds a salty flavor—consider Pecorino Romano as a nice alternative.
How Can I Ensure My Pizza Crust is Perfectly Cooked?
The crust can make or break your pizza! To achieve a great crust, start by preheating your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet to 475°F (245°C). This high heat helps create that crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Flour your surface well when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
- Don’t stretch the dough too thin in the center; a thicker edge helps make a nice crust.
- Remember to keep an eye on your pizza while it bakes! Check for bubbling cheese and a golden-brown crust after about 10-12 minutes.
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Spinach Ricotta Pizza will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to bake. So, in just about 25 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a warm, cheesy slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking sheet, place it in the oven now so it can heat up while you prepare everything else.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cook it until it wilts—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and the dried oregano. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you’re using pre-made dough, just follow the package instructions. Make sure the dough is shaped to fit your pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a little border around the edges for the crust. Next, evenly distribute the sautéed spinach over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Finally, add the thinly sliced red onions over everything for a tasty crunch.
5. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer your assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
6. Cool, Garnish, and Serve:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes to avoid burning yourself. If you like, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor. Then, slice it up and serve while it’s hot. Enjoy your homemade Spinach Ricotta Pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pizza. This helps prevent a soggy crust.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture. Just season it with a little salt and pepper to taste.
How Can I Reheat Leftover Pizza?
The best way to reheat pizza is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pizza directly on the rack or on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy!
Can I Make This Pizza Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free pizza dough or even a cauliflower crust. Adjust the baking time according to the dough instructions to ensure a perfect cook. Enjoy your gluten-free slice!
