This Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a tasty twist on a classic favorite! It’s topped with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, making it both delicious and satisfying.
Trust me, the combination of flavors is so good that you might forget all about pepperoni! I love making this for a fun night in or when friends visit. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is the star of the dish. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese can work in a pinch, though it might be a bit thinner. Try adding an egg to cottage cheese to help it stick better!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best here, but if you only have frozen, just thaw and drain it thoroughly. Personally, I love using baby spinach for its tender leaves.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that melty texture. If you want a twist, mix in some mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese.
Red Onion: For a milder flavor, you can use green onions or even shallots. I often prefer thinly sliced shallots for a softer taste.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor when sautéing the garlic. If avoiding oil, you can use vegetable broth to sauté, but the flavor won’t be the same.
How Do You Prepare the Spinach Without Making It Soggy?
Cooking spinach properly is key to keeping your pizza from getting soggy. It’s important to sauté the spinach to release some moisture before adding it to the pizza.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Next, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 2-3 minutes.
- Season with adequate salt and pepper; this enhances its flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, as this helps further reduce moisture.
Following these tips will help you achieve a perfectly crisp pizza crust. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Spinach Ricotta Pizza will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 25-30 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to warm up as well; this will help your crust get nice and crisp.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a medium pan, add the olive oil and minced garlic over medium heat. Sauté them for about 1 minute, or until you can smell the garlic. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Afterward, remove it from heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to the thickness you prefer. Once rolled out, transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to move to the oven later.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the dough. Make sure to leave a little bit of a border at the edge for the crust. Next, sprinkle the sautéed spinach over the ricotta. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and lay the thinly sliced red onion on top. Finally, finish with the grated Parmesan cheese, adding a nice salty flavor.
5. Bake the Pizza:
With everything assembled, carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated pizza stone, or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with a slight golden brown color.
6. Cool and Serve:
After baking, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your tongue! If you like, garnish your pizza with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch. Now, slice it up and enjoy your warm, delicious 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 any excess moisture before adding it to the pizza. This will prevent the pizza from getting soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta cheese with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar texture. If you use cottage cheese, blend it first for a smoother consistency!
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through for a crispy crust.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also include meats like cooked chicken or sausage. Just remember not to overload it too much so the crust stays crispy!
