I created this Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza one night when I was craving something different from our usual Friday pizza. Let me tell you the combination of sweet roasted garlic creamy white sauce and tangy feta is absolutely incredible. My entire family now begs for this 'fancy pizza' every week.
Mediterranean Magic on a Pizza
The magic of this pizza happens when all these amazing Mediterranean flavors come together. The garlic gets all sweet and mellow from roasting while ricotta and mozzarella create this incredibly creamy base. Fresh spinach keeps it light and that salty feta takes everything over the top.
Everything You'll Need
- Pizza Dough: Store bought works great or use your favorite recipe.
- Ricotta Cheese: This makes our sauce super creamy.
- Cream Cheese: Just a bit makes everything extra smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds amazing nutty flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce perfectly spreadable.
- Garlic: Roasting it changes everything.
- Fresh Spinach: Chop it up nice and fresh.
- Feta Cheese: The more the better trust me.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gets all melty and perfect.
- Olive Oil: A good drizzle makes it shine.
- Dried Oregano: For that Greek touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but lovely for heat.
Let's Make Pizza
- Get That Garlic Going:
- Heat your oven to 400°F, wrap a whole garlic head with olive oil and salt in foil and roast it until it's soft and sweet, about 30 minutes.
- Make Your Sauce:
- Mix up ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan and cream with that amazing roasted garlic until it's smooth and creamy.
- Prep Your Pizza:
- Crank the oven to 475°F and roll out your dough however you like it.
- Build Your Pizza:
- Spread that gorgeous white sauce all over then pile on spinach, feta, mozzarella and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Bake It Up:
- Let it bake until everything's golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
- Time to Feast:
- Cut into slices and watch everyone's eyes light up when they taste it.
My Pizza Making Secrets
I always roast extra garlic and keep it in the fridge; it makes pizza night so much easier. Splurge on good feta; it really makes a difference. Play with your crust thickness until you find your perfect style. Sometimes I drizzle a little honey on top after baking; it's unexpected and amazing.
Why This Pizza Is Special
This isn't your regular pizza night pizza. It's the kind of pizza that makes people think you're fancy even though it's super easy to make. The flavors are bold but they work together perfectly. Plus it's a great way to sneak extra vegetables onto everyone's plate.
Switch It Up
- Add Some Olives: Kalamata olives make it extra Greek.
- Try Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add amazing sweet intensity.
- Throw On Artichokes: The marinated ones are incredible.
- Go Whole Wheat: Makes it a bit heartier.
- Extra Cheese Please: Sometimes I add even more Parmesan.
Perfect Pairings
We love this pizza with a big Greek salad on the side and if you're feeling fancy open a bottle of crisp white wine. For dessert try some baklava or make quick parfaits with Greek yogurt and honey. It's like having a Mediterranean feast right at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the white sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the white sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on the pizza for easier handling.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Using the oven helps keep the crust crispy and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery.
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Fresh spinach works best for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water to prevent a soggy pizza.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
- You can use crumbled goat cheese or halloumi for a similar tangy flavor. Each cheese will bring its own unique taste to the pizza while keeping the Mediterranean theme.
- → Why roast the garlic first?
- Roasting garlic mellows its sharp flavor and brings out a sweet, nutty taste. It also creates a softer texture that blends perfectly into the white sauce.