This Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a delightful twist on a classic favorite! With creamy ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, it’s light yet satisfying.
I love how easy it is to make. You can whip it up for a quick dinner or impress your friends at a pizza night. Trust me, they’ll give you all the praise! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for quick preparation. However, if you enjoy baking, homemade dough can add a personal touch. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough options.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese gives a lovely texture. If you need a lighter option, cottage cheese can work in a pinch, though it has a different flavor. For a vegan twist, try almond or cashew ricotta!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is key for flavor and nutrition. You might swap it with kale or Swiss chard if desired. Just know these leafy greens may require slightly longer cooking.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is great for bubbling and melting, but you can use shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand. For a twist, try a mixture of mozzarella and goat cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice salty kick. Grana Padano is a good substitute if you run out of Parm. Nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free option, adding a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get My Pizza Dough Just Right?
Getting your pizza dough perfect is essential for a great pizza. You’ll want it to be crispy outside and soft inside. Here are some quick tips:
- Let the dough come to room temperature for easy rolling.
- Use plenty of flour on your surface to prevent sticking.
- Don’t roll it too thin; aim for about 1/4 inch thick to hold the toppings well.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it’s hot before placing the pizza on it for a crispy crust.
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Spinach Ricotta Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, kick things off by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If your oven doesn’t go that high, set it to the highest temperature. If you have a pizza stone, now is the time to pop it in the oven to heat up!
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and minced garlic. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, add some pepper, and Italian seasoning if you like that extra flair. Mix it all together and set this creamy goodness aside for later.
3. Sauté the Spinach:
Grab a large pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the olive oil, and once it’s warm, toss in the chopped spinach. Sauté the spinach for about 2-3 minutes, just until it gets nice and wilted. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper, then take it off the heat.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness—go thick and chewy or thin and crispy, it’s all up to you! Carefully transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread the Ricotta:
Now, take your prepared ricotta mixture and spread it evenly over the pizza dough. Make sure to cover it all the way to the edges for the best flavor!
6. Add Toppings:
Start layering by placing the sautéed spinach on top of the ricotta. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the spinach. Then, add the thinly sliced red onions, followed by the grated parmesan cheese to finish it off.
7. Bake the Pizza:
Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and let it bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden and the cheese is all bubbly and dreamy!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If you want, you can add some fresh basil leaves to make it look extra special.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your delicious Spinach Ricotta Pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy every cheesy, spinach-filled bite!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off as much excess water as possible before adding it to your pizza. Sauté it briefly to get rid of any remaining moisture, and then scatter it on top of the ricotta layer.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute. For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese until smooth before spreading it on the dough. This will maintain that rich, creamy element of the pizza!
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep the crust crispy!
Can I Make the Dough from Scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can follow your favorite pizza dough recipe or try a simple one using flour, water, yeast, and salt. Just ensure to let it rise adequately before rolling it out. If you’d like, I can provide a basic recipe!
