If you have ever wished to enjoy the luscious creaminess of a classic dip on a perfect crisp crust, then this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Blending the tender bites of artichoke hearts, fresh vibrant spinach, and a gooey trio of cheeses over a golden crust, this pizza transforms the beloved spinach artichoke dip into a genuinely crave-worthy meal. Whether for a cozy night in or a friendly gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packing flavor, texture, and color into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe lies in its simple yet rich ingredients, each bringing its unique touch. The fresh spinach adds vibrant green freshness, artichokes provide tender, earthy notes, and the cheeses create that irresistibly creamy, melty texture that makes the pizza truly comforting. Let’s check out these essentials!
- 16 oz pizza dough: A sturdy base that crisps beautifully while holding all the toppings perfectly.
- 8 oz fresh spinach (divided): Fresh and bright, it enhances color and brings a subtle earthiness.
- 2 Tbsp butter: The key to a rich béchamel sauce with a silky finish.
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup milk: Creates the smooth béchamel sauce that blankets the pizza.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic sweetness to the sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance every element perfectly.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a hint of savory brightness.
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided): For sautéing and brushing the crust to golden perfection.
- 4 oz provolone cheese (chopped deli slices): Melts into a mild, smoky layer that ties all flavors together.
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers that classic stretchy, creamy texture everyone loves on pizza.
- 2 oz finely shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the cheese blend.
- 6 – 8 canned artichoke hearts (drained and quartered): Tender chunks that give a delightful bite and subtle tang.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A spicy sprinkle that livens up every slice if you like a little heat.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pizza Base
Start by heating your oven to 450 degrees and positioning a pizza stone inside to get it scorching hot. Meanwhile, shape your pizza dough into a 13-inch round on parchment paper, making sure to create a raised edge to hold all the toppings nicely. Don’t forget to brush the crust with olive oil and season with a bit of salt and pepper—it’s those little touches that build flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté Most of the Spinach
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and toss in three-fourths of the spinach. Cook just until it wilts; fresh bright green fading slightly, releasing its moisture. Then, pressing away the extra liquid using paper towels helps keep your pizza crust from getting soggy later, while keeping all the spinach flavor intact.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Spinach Béchamel Sauce
In a small pan, melt butter and whisk in flour with the onion powder, cooking about two minutes to form a roux that’s the backbone of your sauce. Slowly add milk while stirring vigorously, increasing heat until it thickens luxuriously. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in minced garlic and the sautéed spinach—this creates the signature creamy layer that makes this pizza unforgettable.
Step 4: Prepare Fresh Spinach and Assemble
Chop the remaining fresh spinach finely. Spread the béchamel sauce evenly over your prepared pizza dough, avoiding the crust’s rim. Scatter the fresh chopped spinach on top for a bright contrast, followed by an even layering of provolone, mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, and finally the quartered artichoke hearts. This layered approach ensures every bite bursts with that rich spinach artichoke flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Using a pizza peel, slide the parchment paper with your masterpiece onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the crust becomes a perfect golden brown and the cheeses have melted into a bubbly, inviting topping. The result is a gorgeous pizza that looks just as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Warm
Once baked, cut your pizza into slices and serve immediately. For those who love an extra kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Each warm slice offers that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh—all tied together by the wonderfully crispy crust.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe even more, fresh garnishes like a handful of baby arugula or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add brightness and a peppery hint that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of lemon zest also works wonders to awaken your palate.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. These sides complement the creamy, rich pizza without overpowering its delicate flavors, keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pizza alongside small bowls of extra spinach artichoke dip for dipping crust edges. You could also cut the pizza into smaller squares to create a party-friendly finger food option, perfect for sharing and chatting with friends over a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh in the fridge for up to three days. The creamy spinach artichoke topping holds up well, though the crust is best when reheated right before eating to maintain its crispiness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this pizza longer, freeze individual slices placed on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months and make an excellent quick meal whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375 degrees on a baking sheet or pizza stone for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crispy crust and melts the cheese beautifully again without turning soggy, unlike microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw and drain it very well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the pizza soggy. Fresh spinach gives a better texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
What type of artichokes work best for this pizza?
Use canned artichoke hearts that are not marinated to avoid any overpowering flavors or excess oil. Make sure to drain them thoroughly and quarter for even distribution across the pizza.
Is there a way to make this pizza vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk for the béchamel sauce. Vegan butter or olive oil can replace butter for a creamy, delicious sauce.
Can I prepare the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The béchamel sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before spreading it on the pizza dough.
How can I make the pizza crust more flavorful?
Try brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil or sprinkling it lightly with garlic powder or Italian herbs before adding the toppings. These small additions pack big flavor and complement the spinach artichoke toppings beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe isn’t just another pizza—it’s a celebration of creamy, savory flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I truly hope you give it a try and share it with people you love because it has an uncanny ability to make any mealtime feel special. Once you taste it, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!
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Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza features a homemade-style pizza crust topped with a creamy spinach béchamel sauce, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, and a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked on a pizza stone to achieve a crispy golden crust and melty, flavorful toppings, this pizza combines classic spinach artichoke dip flavors into a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 16 oz pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Spinach Béchamel Sauce
- 8 oz fresh spinach, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
Toppings
- 4 oz provolone cheese (about 1 cup, deli slices chopped)
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup)
- 2 oz finely shredded parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup, slightly packed)
- 6 – 8 canned artichoke hearts, drained well and quartered (do not use marinated)
- Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pizza Dough: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven to heat for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, stretch and shape the pizza dough over a sheet of parchment paper into a 13-inch round, creating a slightly raised rim around the edges.
- Season the Crust: Brush the pizza dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the dough rest while the pizza stone preheats. If refrigerated dough is used, bring it to room temperature before shaping and resting.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add three-quarters of the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer the wilted spinach to paper towels to absorb excess moisture, then finely chop it and set aside.
- Make Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and onion powder, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and increase the heat to medium-high. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Combine: Remove the béchamel from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the minced garlic and the sautéed chopped spinach. Chop the remaining fresh spinach (about 1 1/2 cups) and set it aside.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the spinach béchamel sauce evenly over the prepared pizza dough, avoiding the rim. Sprinkle the chopped fresh spinach over the sauce, followed by the provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Spread the quartered artichoke hearts evenly on top.
- Bake: Using a pizza peel, slide the pizza (on the parchment paper) carefully onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake in the oven for 10 to 13 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, slice into 5 portions, and serve warm. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to bring refrigerated pizza dough to room temperature before shaping to ensure elasticity.
- Pressing excess moisture out of sautéed spinach prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Use plain canned artichoke hearts rather than marinated ones to avoid overpowering flavors.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a heavy baking sheet turned upside down and preheated for a similar effect.
- The béchamel sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before assembling the pizza.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
