Servings: 2 large pizzas (or 1 extra large)
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus dough rising time if making from scratch)
Cook Time: 12β15 minutes
πΎ INGREDIENTS
Pizza Dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2ΒΌ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt
(You may skip this and use a ready-made dough.)
White Garlic Sauce (Mediterranean Style)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- β cup heavy cream or whole milk
- β cup ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Β½ tsp dried oregano
- Β½ tsp dried basil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 2β3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup provolone or kasseri cheese, shredded
- ΒΌ cup Parmesan or pecorino, finely grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes, dried thyme, or sesame seeds
Fresh Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Olive oil drizzle
π³ DIRECTIONS
STEP 1: MAKE THE DOUGH (IF HOMEMADE)
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5β10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead for 8β10 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE WHITE GARLIC SAUCE
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant (donβt brown).
- Stir in cream (or milk), ricotta (or yogurt), Parmesan, and herbs.
- Cook 2β3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
This creates a creamy, Mediterranean-style white base.
STEP 3: PREPARE THE SPINACH
You can use it fresh, but lightly wilting it improves texture.
Method:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet.
- Add spinach and cook 30β40 seconds until just wilted.
- Remove and let drain briefly on paper towels.
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE PIZZA
- Preheat the oven to 475Β°F (245Β°C).
- Stretch dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread the garlic white sauce evenly over the surface.
- Distribute wilted (or fresh) spinach leaves.
- Add cheeses in this order:
- Mozzarella
- Provolone or kasseri
- Parmesan or pecorino
- Optional: Sprinkle herbs or red pepper flakes.
STEP 5: BAKE
- Place pizza in the oven and bake 12β15 minutes, or until:
- Crust is golden and crisp
- Cheese is bubbling and lightly browned
- Spinach is glossy and tender
- Let rest 3 minutes before slicing.
STEP 6: FINISHING TOUCHES
- Drizzle olive oil on top
- Add fresh basil or parsley
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan
π½οΈ SERVING IDEAS
- Serve with a Mediterranean tomato & cucumber salad
- Pair with tzatziki or garlic yogurt dipping sauce
- Add olives, roasted peppers, or marinated artichokes on the side
π VARIATIONS
Mediterranean Lemon-Spinach Pizza
Add:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A drizzle of lemon olive oil after baking
Greek-Style Spinach Pizza
Add:
- Crumbled feta
- Kalamata olives
- Oregano
Protein Add-Ons
- Grilled chicken
- Shredded lamb
- Spiced chickpeas