If you are looking for a pizza that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, then this White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic is the answer. This dish brings together creamy ricotta, perfectly roasted garlic cloves, vibrant spinach, and melty mozzarella on a crisp golden crust. It’s a bright, flavorful twist on traditional pizza that highlights fresh ingredients in every bite, making it a comforting yet sophisticated meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make over and over.

White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, freshness, and savory goodness. From the luscious roasted garlic that adds depth to the tender spinach and cheeses, every element contributes to making this White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic irresistible.

1 pound refrigerated pizza crust dough: A convenient base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
24 medium cloves garlic (with peel): Roasting garlic with the peel on mellows its flavor to creamy sweetness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances richness and helps the garlic become golden and tender.
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese: Provides a mild, creamy layer that complements the herbs perfectly.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic lift to the savory blend.
1 teaspoon honey: Just a touch to balance the garlic’s earthiness with subtle sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a rustic Italian flair that ties the flavors together.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every flavor and seasons the garlic beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed & squeezed dry): Gives the pizza a vibrant green pop and nutrition.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Key for that gooey, melty, golden finish that everyone loves.

How to Make White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing your garlic cloves. Keep the peel on as you roast them; this protects the garlic from direct heat, allowing the cloves to soften into buttery, sweet morsels. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some kosher salt for extra flavor, then seal them tightly in foil before roasting for about 25 minutes. This step builds the soulful foundation of the White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic, transforming garlic’s sharpness into mellow, rich sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

Once your garlic is cool enough, peel and reserve eight cloves for mixing. Smash these with a fork and combine with ricotta cheese, fresh basil, honey, oregano, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. This creamy, fragrant spread is what will give the pizza its signature lush texture and herbaceous punch—trust me, it’s absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Stretch Your Dough

Next, bring your refrigerated pizza dough to room temperature so it’s easier to work with and stretch it into roughly a 14-inch round. If you’re feeling creative or feeding a crowd, split it into two smaller rounds so you can experiment with toppings or create different flavor profiles. Place your stretched dough on an olive-oil-greased baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure a golden, crispy crust every time.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly across the surface of your dough—it doesn’t have to be perfect, rustic charm counts here! Then scatter the drained spinach and remaining roasted garlic cloves over the top. This layering creates a symphony of textures and tastes, from creamy ricotta to juicy spinach and sweet bites of caramelized garlic. Finally, blanket everything with shredded mozzarella for that irresistible, molten cheese magic.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pizza into the oven preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 9 to 10 minutes. The crust should turn crisp and golden, while the cheese bubbles and browns delightfully. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes to set up before slicing it into wedges. This stunning White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic is now ready for you to savor.

How to Serve White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic

Garnishes

To elevate your pizza experience, consider fresh finishing touches like a sprinkle of more chopped basil or a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. For a gentle zing, cracked red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can awaken the flavors even further. These small additions add personality without overshadowing the core deliciousness.

Side Dishes

This white pizza pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp mixed greens salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. Grilled or roasted vegetables also complement its creamy texture wonderfully, making the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Serve your White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic on a wooden pizza peel for rustic charm or on a colorful platter to make the vibrant greens pop. You could also slice it into small squares for party appetizers or add a finishing touch of edible flowers to make your presentation as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep the crust from drying out. Stored in the fridge, it will remain delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or indulgent snacks.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze your cooked pizza slices by wrapping them individually in parchment and then foil. Frozen pizza maintains its quality best for up to 1 month and makes for a speedy homemade meal whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the pizza in a hot skillet over medium heat or in a 375-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This method restores the crispiness of the crust and revives the melted cheese without sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just be sure to sauté fresh spinach lightly and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pizza so your crust doesn’t get soggy.

Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic is naturally vegetarian, focusing on fresh veggies and cheeses without any meat ingredients.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Of course! While refrigerated dough is convenient, homemade dough adds a wonderful personal touch and flavor. Just be sure to let it rest and rise properly before stretching.

What should I do if I don’t have ricotta?

You can substitute cream cheese or even cottage cheese blended until smooth, but ricotta provides the best creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the garlic wonderfully.

Is it possible to add protein to this pizza?

Definitely! Grilled chicken or crumbled sausage make excellent toppings if you want a heartier version. Just add them on top before baking and enjoy the extra savory boost.

Final Thoughts

There truly is something magical about this White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic. Its vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and aromatic garlic make every bite feel like a comforting moment shared with friends. I hope you’ll enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—once you try it, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite on your pizza night rotation. So, grab your ingredients, embrace the joy of cooking, and treat yourself to this incredible dish soon!

White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (1 large pizza) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful white pizza featuring a blend of roasted garlic, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella on a crisp homemade crust. This easy-to-make pizza combines savory and fresh ingredients for a delicious meatless dinner or appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to start roasting the garlic.
Prepare Garlic for Roasting: Place the whole garlic cloves, peel on, on a large piece of foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Seal the foil into a packet.
Roast Garlic: Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 25 minutes until cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant. Remove and allow to cool, then peel the garlic cloves and discard skins. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pizza.
Mix Ricotta Garlic Spread: In a small bowl, mash 8 peeled roasted garlic cloves with a fork. Add ricotta, 2 teaspoons olive oil, chopped basil, honey, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Prepare the Pizza Dough: Drizzle a baking sheet lightly with olive oil and place the pizza dough on it to rest if needed. Stretch the dough into an approximately 14-inch round on a greased pizza stone or baking sheet. If making two smaller pizzas (one meatless, one with chicken), split the dough in half and shape into roughly 8-inch rounds.
Assemble the Pizza: Spoon dollops of the ricotta garlic spread evenly over the dough. Scatter the thawed, drained spinach evenly and distribute remaining roasted garlic cloves. If adding chicken, layer cooked chicken chunks on top.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the toppings.
Bake: Place the pizza in the 450 degrees Fahrenheit oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Notes

To cook chicken for the optional topping, pan-sear or bake chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked, then cut into chunks.
If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and squeezed to remove excess water to avoid soggy pizza.
You can substitute whole milk ricotta for a richer creaminess.
Olive oil can be brushed on the crust edges for extra crispness and flavor.
Honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory garlic and herbs but can be skipped for a vegan variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Roasting
Cuisine: Italian-American