This Easy Spinach Ricotta Pizza is a great choice for a tasty meal. It features fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese on a crispy crust, making every bite delightful!
What’s not to love? You can whip it up quickly and impress your family or friends. I often add a sprinkle of cheese on top just for the fun of it—because, why not? 😄
This pizza is so simple to make that even I can do it! Just spread the ricotta, add the spinach, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a delicious dinner without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade or store-bought dough. If you’re short on time, pre-made dough is a real lifesaver. I love using whole wheat dough for added nutrients, but regular all-purpose dough works great too!
Ricotta Cheese: This ingredient brings a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, consider using cottage cheese. It has a similar consistency, but do blend it a bit to soften the texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the best for this recipe. If you have frozen spinach, just thaw and drain it well—the flavor will still be delicious!
Red Onions: Their sharpness complements the ricotta well. If you prefer a milder taste, you could use sweet onions or shallots instead.
Oregano: Dried oregano is a classic pizza herb. Italian seasoning can also be used for extra depth. Fresh oregano is lovely if you can find it!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crisp Pizza Crust?
Achieving a crispy crust can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get it right every time! Start by preheating your oven properly. A hot oven is key for crispiness.
- Roll your dough out thinly—it helps it cook through and get crispy.
- Use a pizza stone if you have one; it retains heat and gives a crisp base.
- Bake on a parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to transfer.
- Don’t overload with toppings; too many can make it soggy. Less is more!
Easy Spinach Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 12-15 minutes for baking. So, in just about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious homemade spinach ricotta pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, which will help your crust get extra crispy!
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and sauté until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper. Once done, take it off the heat.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Once it’s rolled out, transfer it onto a sheet of parchment paper or a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone.
4. Add the Ricotta:
Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
5. Layer the Cheeses and Spinach:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the ricotta. After that, gently distribute the sautéed spinach and garlic over the cheese layer.
6. Top with Onions and Seasoning:
Scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top of the spinach. Then, sprinkle dried oregano, grated Parmesan cheese, and a little more salt and pepper for added flavor.
7. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. If you like it spicy, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful, and easy spinach ricotta pizza with your family and friends! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture. Squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a soggy pizza.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even cream cheese for a richer taste. Both will work well to give that creamy texture!
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for the best texture, or pop it in the microwave for a quick option!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the pizza and assemble it, then cover it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
