If you are looking to impress your taste buds with a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious twist on classic pizza, this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It brings together the luscious cheese blend you love in spinach artichoke dip, spread generously on a golden crispy crust, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to indulge in something both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully, each adding its own magic to the dish. From creamy cheeses to fresh greens and a touch of seasoning, every component plays a role in creating a rich, flavorful, and visually appealing pizza.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the crisp, chewy base for your pizza.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and drizzling on the pizza, it adds richness and a subtle fruity aroma.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Gives the dish a fragrant depth of flavor that wakes up your palate.
- Cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly on the pizza.
- Sour cream: Adds a hint of tanginess, balancing the richness of the cheeses and complements the spinach nicely.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty bite that enhances the overall cheesiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melty cheese that ties everything together beautifully.
- Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Packs in color, nutrients, and that fresh garden taste without excess moisture.
- Canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Brings a tender, slightly tangy texture that pairs fantastically with the spinach.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
- Salt and pepper: To season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and dough
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, go ahead and heat that up inside—it will give you an extra crispy crust that’s simply irresistible. Then, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your favorite thickness. If you’re working with store-bought dough, make sure to follow any pre-baking instructions on the package for best results.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
In a small pan over medium heat, warm up a tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your minced garlic. Let it cook for just about one minute until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. Then, take it off the heat and set it aside—this garlic will infuse your creamy topping with amazing flavor.
Step 3: Mix the cheesy topping
Grab a medium bowl and blend together cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a luscious, creamy base. Stir in the sautéed garlic, the thawed and well-drained spinach, and chopped artichokes. If you like a slight spicy buzz, add the red pepper flakes now. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, and give it a good stir until everything is evenly combined and inviting.
Step 4: Assemble your pizza
Evenly spread your creamy spinach and artichoke mixture across the rolled-out dough, leaving a neat border around the edges for that golden crust to shine. This layer will bake into a bubbly, cheesy crown that you’ll savor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye for a beautifully golden crust and bubbling, lightly browned cheese—that’s your cue that the pizza is perfect and ready to come out.
Step 6: Final touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top for extra richness. If you have fresh basil or parsley, scatter some leaves on top for an herbal freshness and a lovely pop of color before slicing and serving warm.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are perfect to brighten the flavors and add visual appeal. You could also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even some lemon zest to add an unexpected burst of freshness that compliments the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a light soup make for a nice complementary addition, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe into smaller squares for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. For a rustic touch, serve it on a wooden board with an assortment of olives and charcuterie nearby to create a casual yet impressive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked and cooled pizza slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and keeps slices fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, a quick spin in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes will bring back that lovely crispy crust and warm, gooey topping. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture. This helps keep your pizza from becoming soggy.
Can I prepare the spinach and artichoke mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy topping up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake your pizza. It makes mealtime even easier!
What type of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade dough work wonderfully. Choose your favorite or what’s convenient—just make sure to follow any instructions for pre-baking store-bought dough for best texture.
Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, packed with delicious veggies and cheeses without any meat.
How spicy is the pizza with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the creamy and cheesy flavors without overpowering them. You can always adjust the amount or skip it if you prefer mild tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want to treat yourself to something comforting, delicious, and easy to make. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with greens and savory artichokes create a memorable pizza experience you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love all over again!
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Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic dip, transformed into a savory and creamy pizza perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and artichokes on a crisp, golden crust, this pizza is flavorful, comforting, and easy to make from scratch or with store-bought dough.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure it is hot when baking.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your preferred thickness. If using store-bought dough, pre-bake according to package instructions to avoid sogginess.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a small pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Stir in the sautéed garlic, thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the creamy spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges free for the crust.
- Bake: Place the pizza on the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and preheat it thoroughly before baking.
- Thoroughly squeeze excess water from spinach to prevent soggy pizza.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier but lower-fat option.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
