If you’re in the mood for something fresh, flavorful, and a little different from your usual pizza night, this Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful mix of roasted garlic’s mellow sweetness, vibrant spinach, and creamy cheeses all atop a toasty crust—perfect for when you want a satisfying meal without the heaviness of tomato sauce.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Recipe
This pizza balances creamy cheeses with the earthy brightness of spinach, all uplifted by the sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food that feels a bit fancy, yet comes together effortlessly.
- Texture you want: Crisp crust paired with tender, wilted greens and melted cheese.
- Flavor that pops: Roasted garlic’s subtle sweetness blends beautifully with tangy feta and oregano.
- Everyday ingredients: Uses pantry staples with a fresh twist—nothing complicated here.
- Works for any night: Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredient Spotlight
Each ingredient in this Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Recipe plays an important role. From the creamy ricotta that creates the luscious base to the sharp feta that adds a punch, plus the mellow roasted garlic that transforms the whole pizza. Here are some tips to help you select and swap ingredients confidently.
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for bright, crisp leaves for the best flavor and texture when sautéed.
- Garlic: A whole head roasted until soft yields a sweet, mellow garlic paste—fresh cloves won’t give quite the same depth.
- Cheeses: Use a mix: ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for melt, feta for that authentic tang. If you’re dairy-free, try a nut-based ricotta alternative and omit the feta.
Seasonality & Sourcing
Spinach shines in spring and fall when it’s freshest and most tender, so try to get it during those times for peak flavor. Roasting garlic is easy year-round—just pick firm, plump heads. For cheeses, buy quality feta and mozzarella from trusted local markets or specialty shops if possible; good cheese really elevates this pizza. If you want to save a few bucks, store brands often have decent options too.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle it with a tablespoon of olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and pop it in the oven. Roasting takes about 30–35 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cloves are soft and golden. Avoid rushing this step; under-roasted garlic won’t have that luscious sweetness that makes this pizza special.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
While your garlic roasts, give the spinach some attention. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium and sauté the chopped spinach until it wilts—just 2-3 minutes. Season it gently with salt and pepper. Keep an eye so it doesn’t get soggy; you want it tender but still vibrant green. Once your garlic is roasted and cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves into a bowl and mash them into a smooth paste.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
Mix the roasted garlic paste with ricotta, half the mozzarella, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over your pizza crust. Top with your sautéed spinach, then sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and crumbled feta. If you crave a little heat, scatter some red pepper flakes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles invitingly. Let your pizza rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. This pause lets the flavors meld and stops the toppings from sliding off when you slice.
Troubleshooting Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Recipe
If your pizza turns out too dry, next time add a drizzle of olive oil before baking to keep things moist. A bland flavor might mean missing a pinch of salt or oregano—don’t be shy with seasoning in the garlic ricotta mix. If sogginess creeps in, try pressing your spinach beforehand to drain excess water or bake the crust a few minutes before adding toppings to keep it crisp.
Pro Tips
I’ve found that using a pre-made crust can be a real time-saver without sacrificing quality, but if you like to make dough from scratch, go for a thin, crisp base for the best contrast with soft toppings.
- Heat control: Bake on the middle rack for even cooking and melty cheese with a perfectly crisp crust.
- Timing window: Roasted garlic keeps well in the fridge, so roast ahead for an easy weeknight meal.
- Make-ahead move: Prepare the garlic-ricotta mixture and sautéed spinach up to 2 days in advance and assemble just before baking.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t overload with spinach or cheese to prevent sogginess; balance is key.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to brighten things up, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the spinach before topping the pizza. For a dairy-free version, swap ricotta for cashew cream and omit feta, or use your favorite vegan cheeses. Some people like to toss in sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Greek flair—both work beautifully without overpowering the roasted garlic flavor.
Great Debates
When it comes to fats in this recipe, some swear by olive oil alone while others debate adding a bit of butter for richness. I like sticking with olive oil here—it complements the Mediterranean vibe and keeps the pizza lighter. Also, whether to pre-cook your crust slightly or bake fully on toppings is a personal choice. I prefer baking it as assembled for simplicity, but either method works as long as you watch the crust color.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
You can store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crispy. For freezing, bake the pizza fully, cool completely, and wrap well in foil and plastic wrap. To thaw, leave in the fridge overnight and crisp up in a hot oven before serving. This Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Recipe freezes surprisingly well without losing the flavors or textures.
Yield & Conversions
This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, perfect for 2-3 people depending on appetites. To double, just double all ingredients and use two pizza bases or a large sheet pan. For half the size, half the ingredients and use a smaller crust—baking time may be slightly shorter. Measurements: 1 cup equals about 240 ml, so adjust smoothly whether you’re using metric or US standard cups.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Pair this pizza with a crisp Greek salad tossed with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. A side of tzatziki adds a refreshing, cool contrast. If you want a drink pairing, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or even sparkling water with lemon complements the fresh, garlicky flavors beautifully without overwhelming them.
FAQs
Fresh garlic is much sharper and can overpower the pizza. Roasting it softens the flavor and adds sweetness, which balances better with the cheeses and spinach.
A thin, sturdy crust that crisps well in the oven is ideal. You can use store-bought or homemade, but avoid very thick or doughy crusts to prevent sogginess under the toppings.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms pair nicely, but keep toppings light to preserve the delicate flavor balance of this white pizza.
Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crisp.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
A 12-inch pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet helps achieve a crisp crust. A small bowl and fork for mashing roasted garlic make prep easy. If you have a kitchen thermometer, use it to ensure your oven hits 400°F accurately—consistent heat is key to perfect cooking. No fancy gear required, just good ingredients and a bit of love.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Recipe
A delicious Greek-inspired roasted garlic spinach white pizza featuring a creamy garlic-ricotta sauce, sautéed spinach, and a blend of mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan cheeses on a crispy pre-made crust. This easy-to-make vegetarian pizza offers a flavorful twist with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
Roasted Garlic
- 1 medium head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spinach
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the head of garlic, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap it in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for about 35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Once done, allow it to cool slightly, then squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl.
- Prepare the Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the White Sauce: In the bowl with the roasted garlic, mash it with a fork until smooth. Add the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the garlic-ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza crust. Evenly distribute the sautéed spinach on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese and crumbled feta. If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheeses are bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a pre-made pizza crust for convenience or homemade if preferred.
- Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness and mellows its sharpness, key for flavor balance.
- Sauté the spinach briefly to reduce moisture that could make the crust soggy.
- Substitute vegan cheese alternatives to make this recipe fully vegan.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick; omit if you prefer mild flavors.
- Letting the pizza rest a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set for easier slicing.
Leave a Reply