If you love the creamy, comforting flavors of classic spinach artichoke dip and crave the satisfying chew of a golden crust, then you are going to flip for this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe. It takes all the best parts of that beloved appetizer and transforms it into a warm, hearty pizza that’s perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or even a fun snack. The blend of tangy cream cheese, savory garlic, tender spinach, and tender artichokes all baked to bubbly perfection makes every bite a mouthful of joy. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just want to impress your friends with something a little different, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet full of character is what makes this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe so approachable and delicious. Each element plays a unique role, from the creamy cheeses lending richness and gooey texture to the fresh spinach and artichoke bringing in brightness and depth of flavor.
- Pizza dough: The sturdy base that crisps up beautifully to hold all the creamy toppings without sogginess.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity note and helps sauté garlic for a fragrant base layer.
- Garlic: Minced and lightly sautéed to infuse the whole pizza with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Cream cheese: Brings velvety creaminess that’s the heart of the sauce.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and balances richness with a subtle bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated finely for a sharp, salty kick.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for that irresistible stretch and golden finish.
- Frozen spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture but keep vibrant flavor.
- Artichoke hearts: Chopped to add a tender, slightly nutty burst in each bite.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for just a hint of heat to awaken the taste buds.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the fresh ingredients.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Optional garnish for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in now to get it nice and hot for that perfect crust. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your ideal thickness. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade dough, taking the time to shape it well will pay off with a beautifully crisp crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just for about one minute until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma but doesn’t brown—that gentle cooking unlocks the flavor your spinach artichoke topping needs as a base.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Topping
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Then stir in that fragrant garlic oil along with the thawed and squeezed spinach and the chopped artichoke hearts. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want a touch of brightness, and season generously with salt and pepper. The result is a luscious, cheesy spread that’s ready to adorn your pizza dough.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread your creamy spinach and artichoke mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough, being sure to leave a small edge for a golden crust. Carefully transfer the pizza to your oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is beautifully golden and the cheese topping is bubbling and just turning golden brown at the edges.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Out of the oven, give your Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe a lovely drizzle of olive oil. If you’re feeling fancy or want a fresh pop, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before slicing. Then dive in while it’s warm and gooey—you’ve just made an unforgettable spinach artichoke-inspired pizza!
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top of the baked pizza can brighten up each slice with a burst of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving also amplifies the taste and makes every bite enticing.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a tangy tomato and cucumber salad. Light sides balance the richness of the spinach artichoke topping and keep your meal feeling fresh and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Cut your Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe into bite-sized squares for casual parties or cut larger slices and serve alongside bowls of extra creamy dip for double the fun. You can even top it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of extra Parmesan for added texture and flavor sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pizza has cooled completely, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 2-3 days, letting you enjoy this deliciousness again without sacrificing freshness.
Freezing
If you want to stash some pizza for a longer time, consider freezing individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags with parchment paper between layers. Frozen spinach artichoke pizza slices maintain their charm for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftovers is in a preheated oven at about 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture, but if you must, use medium power and watch carefully so it doesn’t get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté it briefly to wilt and then squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture. This helps maintain the perfect structure and prevents a soggy pizza.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is fully vegetarian-friendly. It includes no meat and is packed with veggies and cheeses to keep it satisfying and wholesome.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap out the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella for vegan alternatives available in most grocery stores. Also use olive oil and check your dough to ensure it’s free from animal products.
What type of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade pizza doughs work great here. Choose one with a good balance between chewy and crisp, and that can hold the creamy topping without getting soggy.
Can I add other toppings?
Of course! While keeping the spinach and artichokes as stars, feel free to add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions to make the pizza your own. Just keep the balance so the creamy base remains the highlight.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe if you want a slice of cheesy, comforting goodness that’s both different and familiar. It’s quick to put together, packed with flavor, and makes every meal feel like a celebration. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pizza night at home!
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Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza combines a creamy, flavorful spinach and artichoke topping with a crispy golden crust, making it a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe uses store-bought or homemade dough and bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Spinach Artichoke 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven during preheating to ensure it gets thoroughly hot.
- Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you are using store-bought dough, follow any pre-baking instructions provided on the package to ensure the base cooks evenly.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Remove the pan from heat and set aside the garlic-infused oil.
- Make the Topping Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Stir in the sautéed garlic along with its oil, the thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and red pepper flakes if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Pizza: Evenly spread the creamy spinach and artichoke topping over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the prepared pizza in the preheated oven (on a pizza stone if using). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese topping is bubbly and starting to brown slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice the pizza and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out to avoid a soggy pizza.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder pizza.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fresh, aromatic garnish that complements the rich topping.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people or saved as leftovers.
