Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Imagine a world where your two favorite appetizers—creamy spinach dip and tangy artichoke hearts—join forces on a bubbling, golden crust. That’s exactly what you get with Spinach Artichoke Pizza, a showstopping homemade pie that’s both crowd-pleasing and crave-worthy. Picture a velvety, cheesy base layered with savory spinach, zesty artichokes, and a perfectly chewy crust—this is comfort food at its finest, and beautifully blends the best of pizzeria and party classics into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Spinach Artichoke Pizza so special is that every ingredient truly earns its spot. Each one brings its own irresistible flavor or essential texture, and together they transform simple staples into pure pizza joy. Let’s break down exactly what you need for this standout recipe.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): Whether homemade or store-bought, this is the foundation that holds everything together; choose your favorite for best results.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the crust and brings out the savory side of the garlic and spinach.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable; it infuses the whole pizza with aromatic depth.
- Fresh spinach, chopped (1 cup): This leafy green cooks down beautifully and pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can/14 oz): Their bright flavor gives Spinach Artichoke Pizza its signature tang and texture.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup): Key to that luscious, spreadable base that’s creamy in every bite.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of tang and keeps the topping ultra-silky and light.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Binds the mixture together and delivers that just-right richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings nutty, salty complexity—don’t skip it!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The ultimate melt factor; stretches gloriously over each warm slice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for layering flavor throughout the savory topping.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A must-have for balance and just a little zip.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick, add a sprinkle or more to taste.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Start by heating your oven to a roaring 475°F (245°C). If you own a pizza stone, place it in the oven now—preheating it helps deliver that classic, crisp crust. No stone? No problem: a sturdy baking sheet will do the trick! Giving it a head start in the oven means your Spinach Artichoke Pizza will bake evenly and develop a beautiful, golden bottom.
Step 2: Shape the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. There’s something deeply satisfying about stretching your own dough—the texture, the aroma, the feeling that you’re creating something wonderful from scratch. Don’t worry about perfection; a rustic shape tastes just as fabulous.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds—keep an eye (and nose!) on it so it doesn’t scorch. Then pour in the chopped spinach and let it wilt, stirring occasionally. This quick sauté not only mellows the garlic but coaxes out the best flavor from the greens.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Topping
Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl. Stir until silky-smooth. Now, fold in your sautéed spinach and the chopped artichoke hearts—these flecks of green and gold promise bursts of flavor across every slice.
Step 5: Assemble the Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Spread the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over your prepared dough, right up to the edge. Don’t hold back! Then shower the top with shredded mozzarella. The contrast between the rich, creamy base and the melty, stretchy cheese is pure magic for pizza lovers.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes—watch closely near the end. The crust should be golden, and the cheese bubbling in gooey patches. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once your Spinach Artichoke Pizza is beautifully golden and bubbling, take it out and let it cool briefly. Slice into wedges and serve warm, when every bite is supremely melty and satisfying.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Garnishes
A shower of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a scattering of fresh basil or even parsley will take your Spinach Artichoke Pizza right over the top. For a splash of color and flavor, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon can really brighten up each slice.
Side Dishes
Spinach Artichoke Pizza shines all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp arugula salad, a bowl of minestrone soup, or roasted vegetables brings a lovely balance to the meal. If you’re looking for a classic duo, serve with garlic knots or a simple tomato salad to complement those creamy, cheesy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, cut the pizza into bite-size squares for passable appetizers that vanish in a flash. Or, try making mini Spinach Artichoke Pizzas using naan or flatbread—these speedy versions are great for picnics or after-school snacks. You can even set up a build-your-own pizza bar with the spinach artichoke topping as a star player!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, let the pizza cool to room temperature, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh without losing that signature creamy texture of the spinach and artichoke topping.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Spinach Artichoke Pizza! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 1 to 2 months. This is perfect for those times when you crave a quick slice of comfort.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes, straight from the fridge or even frozen. The crust will crisp up nicely and the cheese will become delightfully gooey once again—almost as good as freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw it first, squeeze out as much moisture as possible, and use about 1/2 cup. It blends in beautifully without compromising the taste or texture of your Spinach Artichoke Pizza.
What’s the best way to drain artichoke hearts?
After draining the can, pat the artichoke hearts dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid. This helps avoid a soggy crust and ensures every bite of your Spinach Artichoke Pizza stays just right.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. The rest of the ingredients in Spinach Artichoke Pizza are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for your needs.
How can I make this pizza even zestier?
For an extra flavor punch, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture or a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes before baking. Both bring an irresistible brightness to your Spinach Artichoke Pizza.
Can I assemble the pizza ahead of time?
For sure! You can prep the topping and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, spread it on the dough, top with cheese, and follow the regular baking instructions for quick and fuss-free Spinach Artichoke Pizza.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Artichoke Pizza is just one of those recipes that brings people together and never fails to please a hungry crowd. Whether you serve it for a family movie night, a cheeky lunch, or your next party, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with that first creamy, cheesy bite. Trust me: one taste, and you’ll be finding all sorts of occasions to make it again!
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Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Spinach Artichoke Pizza that combines creamy, savory flavors with a crispy crust for a comforting meal. This vegetarian pizza is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Sauté the garlic and spinach: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add and cook the spinach until wilted.
- Make the topping: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the cooked spinach and artichokes.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the mixture on the dough, top with mozzarella, then bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider sprinkling with additional Parmesan or drizzling with olive oil before serving.
- This pizza also works well on flatbreads or naan for a quicker alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
