There’s something truly special about a homemade pizza, especially when it’s a beautiful white pizza that fills the kitchen with the aroma of roasted garlic. This Greek White Pizza with Spinach and Roasted Garlic is one of those recipes that feels both elegant and incredibly comforting. It has a delightful crispy crust and a creamy, flavorful topping that is sure to become a new favorite for pizza night.
I’ll always remember the rainy Saturday my sister, Jennifer, and I first made this. The sweet scent of garlic roasting filled the kitchen as we layered on the creamy cheeses and spinach. It turned a simple pizza night into a cherished memory.
A Few Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Flavor Profile: A savory and aromatic pizza with a creamy white base, earthy spinach, and sweet roasted garlic.
- Effort: This recipe involves a few simple steps, from roasting the garlic to sautéing the spinach, but comes together easily for a rewarding meal.
- Best For: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or a fun weekend cooking project.
Let’s Get Our Ingredients Ready
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 whole head garlic
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Our Step-by-Step Journey to a Perfect Pizza
First, a Little Oven Magic for Our Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the very top off the head of garlic, just enough to expose the cloves. Drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it up snugly in a piece of foil, and let it roast for about 30–35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and fragrant. Sarah’s Tip: Roasting the garlic makes it wonderfully sweet and mellow. Don’t rush this step; it’s the heart of this white pizza’s flavor!
Next, Giving the Spinach a Gentle Wilt
While the garlic is doing its thing in the oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach, salt, and pepper. Let it cook just until it has wilted down. This only takes a minute or two. Set it aside. Sarah’s Tip: Be sure to squeeze out any excess water from the spinach after it has cooled a bit. This will prevent your pizza from becoming soggy.
Heating Things Up and Rolling Out the Dough
Once the garlic is roasted, increase the oven temperature to a hot 475°F (245°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. Carefully transfer it to a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Sarah’s Tip: For an extra crispy crust, I like to use a pizza stone. Just be sure to let it heat up with the oven.
Creating That Dreamy, Garlicky Base
Now for the best part! Squeeze those soft, roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. They should be creamy enough to mash into a paste with a fork. Spread this beautiful roasted garlic paste evenly over the pizza dough, creating a wonderfully aromatic base.
Now for the Fun Part: The Toppings!
It’s time to assemble your pizza with spinach! Start by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the garlic base. Then, add your sautéed spinach. Spoon lovely dollops of ricotta cheese around the pizza and finish with a generous crumble of feta cheese over the top.
Into the Oven Until Golden and Bubbly
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is a beautiful golden brown and all that delicious cheese is melted and bubbling.
The Final Flourish Before the First Bite
Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for just a moment before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Slice it up and serve it warm.
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Simple Swaps for a Healthier Slice
For a lighter take on this delicious spinach pizza, here are a few simple swaps you can make:
- Whole Wheat Crust: Substitute the traditional pizza dough with a whole wheat version to add extra fiber.
- Low-Fat Cheeses: Opt for part-skim mozzarella and ricotta to reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Load Up on Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for an extra nutrient boost.
Making It a Meal
This white pizza is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
- A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or cherry tomatoes.
- A glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
My Secrets to Pizza Success
- Using Raw Garlic: Don’t be tempted to use raw minced garlic instead of roasted. Roasting transforms the garlic, making it sweet and mild. Raw garlic will be harsh and overpower the other flavors.
- Overloading Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on the cheese and spinach, too many toppings can make the crust soggy. A balanced approach is key.
- Not Preheating the Oven Enough: A very hot oven is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy crust. Make sure your oven has reached 475°F (245°C) before the pizza goes in.
How to Save a Slice for Later
If you have any leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely. Then, you can store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Using a skillet is also a great way to revive the crispy crust.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this Greek White Pizza with Spinach and Roasted Garlic brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. There’s nothing quite like sharing a warm, homemade pizza with the people you love. I encourage you to gather your family, get your hands a little floury, and create some delicious memories of your own.
Just in Case You’re Wondering…
Can I use frozen spinach in a pinch?
Yes, you certainly can. Just be sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the pizza to avoid a soggy crust.
Can I get a head start on this recipe?
You can prepare the components ahead of time. The garlic can be roasted and the spinach can be sautéed a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the pizza on the fresh dough and bake.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No problem at all! You can use a regular baking sheet. For a crispier bottom, you can preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it. Another trick is to bake the pizza on the lowest rack in your oven to get the crust nicely browned.
Print
Greek White Pizza with Spinach and Roasted Garlic
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and aromatic Greek white pizza with roasted garlic, creamy cheeses, and fresh spinach on a crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 whole head garlic
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast 30–35 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan, sauté spinach with salt and pepper until wilted. Set aside and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Increase oven temperature to 475°F (245°C). Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins, mash into a paste, and spread evenly over the dough.
- Top with shredded mozzarella, sautéed spinach, dollops of ricotta, and crumbled feta.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, preheat a pizza stone. Use roasted garlic for a sweet, mellow flavor. Avoid overloading toppings to keep the crust from getting soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Greek pizza, white pizza, spinach pizza, roasted garlic, homemade pizza