Name: Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Let’s talk about Spinach Artichoke Pizza, the lovechild of everyone’s favorite dip and the ultimate comfort food. It’s cheesy, creamy, and loaded with flavor kind of like your favorite appetizer got dressed up for a pizza party.

Why This Combo Works So Well

Spinach adds a savory earthiness. Artichokes bring a slight tang. Mix those with creamy cheese and garlic, and you’ve got yourself a match made in flavor heaven. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in without anyone complaining.

Ingredients Needed

For the Pizza Dough

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water

Or just grab a store-bought dough — no shame in that game.

For the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Topping

1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cooked spinach (fresh or frozen, squeezed dry)
1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, chopped
½ cup cream cheese
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings and Variations

Crumbled feta or goat cheese
Shredded chicken
Bacon bits
Red onions or cherry tomatoes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Rolling pin
Pizza stone or baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Skillet
Oven (of course)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepping the Dough

If making dough from scratch, activate the yeast in warm water with sugar, let it bloom for 5–10 minutes. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, mix and knead until smooth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Making the Spinach Artichoke Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic for a minute, then toss in the spinach and artichokes. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until melty and creamy. Add Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Set it on a pizza stone or a lightly greased baking sheet. Spread the spinach artichoke mixture evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Baking it to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is hot and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before slicing. (If you can wait that long.)

Tips for the Best Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic, good olive oil, and quality cheese make a huge difference in taste.

Don’t Overdo the Sauce

Keep it balanced. You want creamy, not soggy.

Cheese Tips for That Perfect Melt

A combo of mozzarella and Parmesan hits that melty + salty note just right. Want a tangier twist? Add a bit of feta.

Variations You Can Try

Add Grilled Chicken or Bacon

Protein lovers, this one’s for you. Chicken adds a lean, savory flavor while bacon cranks up the indulgence.

Make it Vegan

Swap out dairy for plant-based cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and cashew Parmesan. Use olive oil instead of butter.

Use Different Cheeses

Try fontina for meltiness, provolone for a sharper flavor, or ricotta for creaminess.

What to Serve with Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Pair it with a fresh arugula salad, a light white wine, or even a cold craft beer. Garlic knots or tomato soup also make cozy companions.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for that just-baked crispiness.

Health Benefits of Spinach and Artichokes

Spinach is packed with iron, fiber, and vitamins. Artichokes are great for digestion and loaded with antioxidants. Together, they make this indulgent dish just a little bit virtuous.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using watery spinach: Always squeeze out excess moisture.
Overloading toppings: Keep it balanced.
Underbaking: Make sure the crust is golden and crisp.

Conclusion

If you’re bored of the usual pizza suspects, Spinach Artichoke Pizza is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing foodie friends, this pizza always delivers. Go on take a bite, and thank us later.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Just let it come to room temp before rolling it out so it’s easier to handle.

Can I freeze spinach artichoke pizza?

Yes. Freeze the pizza before baking or after — just wrap it tightly and use within a month for best flavor.

What cheese works best for this pizza?

Mozzarella for the melt, Parmesan for flavor, and optionally a touch of cream cheese or ricotta for creaminess.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pizza crust or dough — there are great store-bought options or recipes online.

Is it kid-friendly?

Totally! Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness. Just maybe go easy on the garlic or spice if serving little ones.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza