Delicious Greek Spinach Pizza

This Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza adds a Mediterranean twist to your pizza night. It features a creamy layer of roasted garlic, vibrant spinach, and a blend of three rich cheeses. It's my top pick for casual gatherings or whenever I'm in the mood for something fresh and comforting, but a bit different from the usual. The best part? Seeing everyone go back for seconds, clearly loving the combo of garlic and melted cheese.

I first whipped this up for a movie night with friends, and I was blown away by how fast it vanished before the opening credits even rolled.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: One pound, whether fresh, store-bought, or homemade works well. Aim for a dough that's a bit bouncy for a nice crisp.
• Fresh spinach: One cup, chopped. It boosts nutrition and adds a nice green touch. Choose deep green leaves without any yellow spots.
• Ricotta cheese: One cup for that creamy layer. Go for whole milk ricotta for a richer feel.
• Mozzarella cheese: One cup, shredded. It melts nicely and gives that classic pizza stretch. Pre-shredded is fine, but freshly grated is best.
• Feta cheese: Half a cup, crumbled. Adds a tasty tang. Use block feta for better flavor and crumbling.
• Roasted garlic: Four cloves. Roasting softens it and brings out a sweet flavor. If you can, make extra for salads.
• Olive oil: A quarter cup. Ties all the flavors together. Use quality extra virgin for the best taste.
• Dried oregano: One teaspoon. A classic Greek herb that brings all the flavors together. Rub it between your fingers to release the oils.
• Red pepper flakes: Half teaspoon, optional. For a bit of heat. Fresh flakes give more aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
• Fresh basil for garnish: Sprinkle on top for color and aroma. Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Instructions

Get the Oven Ready:

Preheat your oven to 475°F if using a pizza stone, or 450°F for a regular baking sheet. Give it time to heat up thoroughly.

Roast the Garlic:

Peeled four garlic cloves, then place them on a small piece of foil. Drizzle a little olive oil, fold the foil to close it, and roast in the oven for about 30 minutes until soft and caramelized. Mash it into a paste after roasting.

Prepare the Dough:

Lightly flour your working surface, then roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thick for a crisp base. You can make it thicker if that's your preference. Transfer it to a floured pizza peel for stone baking, or a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Spread Roasted Garlic:

Evenly spread the roasted garlic paste over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Drizzle with a little olive oil to help infuse the flavor.

Cheese Mix and Layer:

In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and crumbled feta. Season with oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for heat. Spread this cheese mixture thickly over the garlic layer.

Add Spinach:

Evenly distribute the chopped fresh spinach over the cheese. Gently press it down to help it settle into the cheese without burning in the oven.

Bake the Pizza:

Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated stone or put your pan in the hot oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling with some brown spots.

Finish and Serve:

Let the pizza sit for 2-3 minutes after baking. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine, toss on fresh basil leaves, slice, and enjoy your Mediterranean delight.

The roasted garlic is definitely my favorite part. I remember my sister sneaking spoonfuls of it before we even started the pizza. Seriously, don’t skip this step. It’s what makes everyone ask for more.

Storage Tips

After letting leftover pizza cool, store the slices in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to three days. I recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy, rather than using the microwave, which can make it soggy. If you freeze slices, wrap them tightly in foil, and they can last for a month. Thaw in the fridge, then warm up in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of ricotta, cottage cheese blended until smooth works well too. You can swap spinach for baby kale or arugula for a flavor boost. For a dairy-free option, use lactose-free or plant-based cheese that melts nicely, but keep an eye on the baking time as it may brown quicker.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this with a light Greek salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a squeeze of lemon. It makes a great main dish alongside a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Cut it into smaller squares for a party appetizer, and this pizza always gets compliments.

Cultural Insights

This pizza showcases Greek influences, especially with the feta, oregano, and olive oil. While pizza has Italian roots, savory baked flatbreads with cheese come from Greek traditions, making this a natural and delicious pairing. Mediterranean cooks have been perfecting savory pies with creamy fillings for ages, and this recipe takes inspiration from that wonderful heritage.

Seasonal Variations

In spring, you can swap out spinach for fresh asparagus tips. If basil isn't available, use some dried oregano and parsley instead. For a winter version, add roasted red bell pepper slices from a jar for added color and sweetness.

Enjoy this with friends or family, and watch it vanish. Each bite is a creamy, cheesy piece of Mediterranean comfort.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for this pizza?

A tasty mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and feta gives you a creamy, tangy, and bubbly topping that compliments everything nicely.

→ How can I roast garlic for this pizza?

Wrap whole garlic cloves in foil with olive oil and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes, then mash into a fluffy, caramelized paste.

→ Can I use pre-made pizza dough?

Definitely! Store-bought or homemade pizza dough both work great. Just roll it out to the thickness you like before adding toppings.

→ Should I pre-cook the spinach before adding it?

Nope! Chopped fresh spinach will wilt just right in the oven, adding both brightness and flavor to every slice.

→ How do I achieve a crisp crust?

Bake your pizza on a heated stone at a high temperature, around 475°F, to get a golden, crispy base and bubbly cheese on top.

→ What toppings can enhance the Greek flavors?

Finish it off with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, extra feta, or even a sprinkle of kalamata olives for added Mediterranean flair.