Name: White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound refrigerated pizza crust dough (Trader Joe's garlic & herb dough is a great choice, but feel free to use your favorite.); 24 cloves garlic ((about 2 heads, separated, peel left on)); 2 tablespoons olive oil ((plus more for working the crust, if desired)); 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese ((whole milk ricotta works too)); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt ((more for sprinkling the garlic)); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach ((thawed and squeezed to remove any excess moisture)); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ((divided))

If you’re looking to elevate your pizza game, look no further than this delectable White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic. With a creamy ricotta base, the sweetness of roasted garlic, and the heartiness of spinach, this pizza is sure to impress both family and friends. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this recipe combines simple ingredients with a burst of flavor, making it a must-try.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic stands out for several reasons. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese and mozzarella creates a rich, satisfying base that perfectly complements the slightly sweet and caramelized flavor of roasted garlic. Adding spinach not only brings in a nutritious element but also adds a beautiful green hue, enhancing the visual appeal of your dish. Moreover, using refrigerated pizza dough simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on the flavors without the fuss of making dough from scratch.

Ingredient Rundown

To make this delicious pizza, gather the following ingredients:

1 pound refrigerated pizza crust dough – Trader Joe’s garlic & herb dough is a great choice, but feel free to use your favorite.
24 medium cloves garlic (about 2 heads, separated, peel left on) – For that sweet, roasted flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for working the crust, if desired) – To drizzle over the garlic and for the crust.
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta works too) – Adds creaminess to the pizza.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil – For a fresh and aromatic touch.
1 teaspoon honey – To balance the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – For a hint of earthiness.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more for sprinkling the garlic) – Enhances all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a bit of spice.
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed to remove any excess moisture) – Packed with nutrients.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) – About 8 ounces; provides that classic cheesy goodness.

Prep & Cook Tools

To create your White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic, you’ll need the following tools:

Oven – Preheated to ensure a crispy crust.
Baking sheet or pizza stone – For baking your pizza to perfection.
Mixing bowl – To combine the ricotta and other ingredients.
Aluminum foil – For wrapping the garlic while roasting.
Rolling pin – To shape your pizza crust.
Knife and cutting board – For preparing your ingredients.

Mastering White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic: How-To

Creating your White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the heads of garlic, separate the cloves, and leave the skins on. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped garlic directly on the oven rack and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Once done, let them cool slightly before handling.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

While the garlic is roasting, prepare your pizza dough. If you’re using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to stretch. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll out the dough into your desired shape and thickness.

Step 3: Create the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil, honey, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Spinach

Make sure the frozen spinach is fully thawed and all excess moisture is squeezed out. This prevents your pizza from becoming soggy.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

Place your rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer. Distribute the spinach evenly on top, followed by the roasted garlic cloves, which you can squeeze out of their skins. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and enjoy your flavorful creation! A sprinkle of extra fresh basil on top can elevate the dish even further.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some adaptations you can consider:

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pizza dough.
Dairy-free: Substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives.
Low-carb: Opt for a cauliflower pizza crust instead of traditional dough.
Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly!

Problems & Prevention

While making your White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic, you might encounter a few common issues. Here’s how to prevent them:

Soggy Crust: Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the spinach and avoid overloading the pizza with toppings.
Burnt Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic while roasting. If it’s starting to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature.
Sticking Dough: Flour your work surface and rolling pin adequately to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your pizza:

Storing: Place leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be used, just be sure to sauté it briefly to reduce moisture before adding it to the pizza.

What can I pair with this pizza for a complete meal?

A light salad, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, complements the richness of the pizza perfectly.

How can I make this pizza spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking for an extra kick!

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Yes! If you prefer homemade pizza dough, you can use your favorite recipe. Just be sure to let it rise properly before rolling it out.

Try These Next

If you’ve enjoyed this White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic, consider trying these other delicious recipes:

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Rolls Recipe – A creamy and flavorful pasta dish.
Homemade Bbq Chicken Pizza – A tasty twist on traditional pizza.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the steps and tips to make your own White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! With its combination of flavors and textures, this pizza is bound to become a favorite in your household. So put on your apron, turn up the oven, and let the culinary adventure begin!