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Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza brings together creamy cheeses earthy roasted garlic and vibrant spinach for a pizza night that truly feels like a treat. With easy shortcuts like pre-made crust this recipe is as practical as it is delicious and it always delivers huge flavor. I have found it to be a perfect way to add a Mediterranean twist to weeknight meals and it never fails to impress friends and family.
I first whipped up this pizza after a day trip to a Greek market and could not believe how quickly it disappeared. Even my skeptical dad asked for seconds which is the ultimate family approval.
Ingredients
- Pre-made pizza crust: choose one with good texture look for golden edges and an even rise
- Fresh spinach: bright color and crisp leaves make all the difference chop just before cooking
- Garlic: use a whole fresh head—the flavor mellows and sweetens once roasted
- Olive oil: opt for extra-virgin for its fruity notes
- Ricotta cheese: seek whole milk ricotta for creaminess
- Mozzarella cheese: freshly shredded melts best—avoid pre-shredded bags for superior texture
- Feta cheese: creamy or crumbly Greek feta stands out over milder varieties
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated gives the final bite a sharp finish
- Dried oregano: use Greek or Mediterranean for the best match
- Crushed red pepper flakes: totally optional but great for those who like heat
- Fresh basil leaves: always add at the end for a burst of green and flavor
- Salt and pepper: for perfect seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius. Cut the top off the head of garlic and drizzle with a spoon of olive oil. Wrap completely in foil and place on the oven rack. Roast thirty to thirty five minutes until the garlic is soft golden and caramelized. Let cool a few minutes and squeeze the creamy cloves into a small bowl.
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add chopped spinach and cook two to three minutes stirring often so it doesn’t scorch. Season just until wilted with salt and pepper then transfer out to cool slightly.
- Make the White Sauce:
- Mash roasted garlic until silky in a medium bowl. Mix in ricotta cheese half the mozzarella dried oregano a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir together until fully combined into a fragrant paste.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the garlic ricotta mix over the pizza crust edge to edge for even coverage. Scatter the sautéed spinach evenly so every slice gets plenty. Add the rest of the mozzarella and all the crumbled feta for a balanced bite. If desired dust with crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Lay the pizza on a baking sheet or hot stone and bake fifteen to twenty minutes. Watch for the crust to become golden and cheeses to bubble and brown at the edges.
- Finishing Touches:
- Cool the pizza just two minutes so it slices neatly. Top with torn or whole fresh basil leaves and enjoy while warm.
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One time I loaded up extra roasted garlic by accident and it was the star of the meal. Now I always roast two heads just in case—I wish you could smell the kitchen when it comes out of the oven. Roasting garlic has honestly become my favorite step and makes this pizza so craveable.
Storage Tips
Cool leftover pizza completely before wrapping slices individually. They keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat use a hot oven for five to seven minutes to keep the crust crisp rather than microwaving which can make it soggy. You can also freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to two months—just bake from frozen for best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find ricotta cottage cheese works well and still gives a creamy effect. Goat cheese can stand in for feta if you prefer tangier notes. For a dairy free option use nut-based cheeses and a drizzle of olive oil instead. Frozen spinach may be used in place of fresh just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the pizza into small squares and serve as an appetizer for parties. A crisp lemony salad with cucumbers pairs perfectly alongside. For a heartier meal add grilled chicken breast tossed in oregano or serve with roasted potatoes for classic Greek flair.
Mediterranean Roots
White pizza is not traditionally Greek but using feta spinach and roasted garlic brings unmistakable Greek flavor. This pizza reflects the leaner Mediterranean approach substituting heavy tomato sauce with creamy cheese bases and highlighting lots of fresh greens. Every bite is a nod to the sunny flavors of Greek islands.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I roast garlic for this pizza?
Cut off the garlic head's top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes until soft.
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture before adding it to your pizza.
- → What cheese alternatives can I use for ricotta?
Try cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or a soft goat cheese as substitutes for ricotta in the sauce.
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust?
Pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding toppings, and place the pizza on a hot stone or baking sheet.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the garlic and assemble the pizza up to a day ahead, then bake just before serving for best results.