If you’re a fan of spinach artichoke dip and love pizza, you’re going to absolutely flip for this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and fresh, all atop a crispy crust that makes every bite a total winner. I can honestly say this recipe has become a go-to whenever I want something comforting but a bit fancy—trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Meets Creativity: This pizza combines the familiar favorite flavors of spinach artichoke dip in a fresh, homemade pizza format.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creamy béchamel sauce with fresh spinach and tangy artichokes provides depth without overpowering.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or casual get-together, this recipe always seems to disappear fast.
- Simple Techniques: You’ll find the steps straightforward—even if you’re not a seasoned pizza baker, it’s easier than you think.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe relies on fresh, straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully. I love using fresh spinach because it gives great texture and brightness, while the cheeses create that irresistible gooeyness. Quick tip: picking a good quality pizza dough—homemade or store-bought—makes a big difference here.
- Pizza dough: You can easily find store-bought dough, but homemade gives you ultimate control over texture.
- Fresh spinach: Dividing it helps keep some fresh texture and some cooked creaminess in the sauce.
- Butter: Essential for the béchamel sauce to get that silky base.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
- Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but 2% also works nicely.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle warmth without the texture of actual onions.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives plenty of savory punch.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Divided for sautéing and brushing the crust.
- Provolone cheese: This mild, smooth cheese melts beautifully—using deli slices chopped up saves time.
- Mozzarella cheese: Classic pizza cheese, helps with melt and stretch.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded for salty, nutty flavor magic.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Drain and quarter well to avoid sogginess; avoid marinated for cleaner flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but great for a bit of heat if you like a kick.
Variations
I love that this Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is so adaptable—you can jazz it up or simplify it depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Over the years, I’ve tried a few fun twists that might inspire you to make it your own.
- Protein Addition: Adding cooked grilled chicken gives it a heartier edge and my family goes crazy for that extra boost.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out cheeses for your favorite non-dairy melts and use almond milk in the béchamel for a vegan-friendly twist I discovered.
- Seasonal Veggies: Try incorporating roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to add some sweetness and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes right into the sauce for a subtle spicy undertone that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Crust
Start by heating your oven to 450°F, and pop your pizza stone inside—this helps mimic a professional pizza oven, creating that perfect crispy crust. Let the stone rest there for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, stretch your pizza dough into a 13-inch round on parchment paper, making sure to create a slightly taller edge for that classic crust rim. Brush it with half the olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. If your dough has been in the fridge, make sure it’s come to room temperature before shaping—that little step really helps the dough relax and bake evenly.
Step 2: Sauté and Prepare the Spinach
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add about three-quarters of your fresh spinach. Sauté just until wilted—don’t overcook or it’ll get mushy! Transfer this spinach to paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture, then chop finely and set aside. This step ensures your sauce won’t be watery, which can happen all too often if you skip this.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Spinach Béchamel Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and onion powder, cooking for about 2 minutes until you get a fragrant, smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to keep it lump-free. Turn the heat up a bit and keep stirring until the sauce thickens nicely—it should coat the back of your spoon. At this point, season with salt and pepper, stir in the minced garlic, and finally fold the sautéed, chopped spinach into the sauce. This béchamel is the heart of the pizza and gives that deliciously creamy base with spinach flavor throughout.
Step 4: Assemble Your Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Spread the spinach béchamel sauce evenly over your prepared dough, leaving the crust edge bare. Sprinkle the remaining fresh chopped spinach, then layer on your provolone, mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, and quartered artichoke hearts. The layering of cheeses creates that amazing melt and flavor depth that I love, while the artichokes add a subtle tang and texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection
Using a pizza peel or the edge of a baking sheet, carefully slide your pizza on the parchment paper onto the hot pizza stone. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. I always keep an eye during the last few minutes so it doesn’t get too dark but achieves that perfect crisp. Once out of the oven, slice and serve warm with an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a nice little kick.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
- Preheat the Pizza Stone Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that if the stone isn’t super hot, the crust won’t crisp up properly—give it at least 20 minutes in the oven.
- Press Out Spinach Moisture: Removing excess water from sautéed spinach prevents your pizza from being soggy, which really makes a difference.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Transfer: It helps slide the pizza onto the stone without losing your shape or making a mess.
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: Keep an eye after 10 minutes to avoid overbaking; ovens vary, and a golden crust can turn too dark fast.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple—like a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and a few red pepper flakes if people want some heat. Sometimes, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right after baking really brightens the flavors and adds a lovely sheen to the pizza slices.
Side Dishes
Since the pizza itself is rich and filling, I prefer fresh, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or a light tomato cucumber salad to counterbalance the creaminess. Garlic breadsticks or even a small bowl of soup are also great if you want something cozy and complementary.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun get-together, I’ve served this pizza cut into small squares as finger food, which works like a charm at parties. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs—like basil or parsley—right before serving for a pop of color and freshness that impresses your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spinach artichoke pizza stores wonderfully in the fridge—they keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When I’ve had leftovers, I make sure to cool the pizza completely before refrigerating to preserve the crust texture as much as possible.
Freezing
While I usually don’t freeze cooked pizza slices because the crust can become soggy on thawing, the dough itself freezes beautifully. To save dough for later, I portion and freeze it wrapped tightly. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the recipe!
Reheating
For reheating, my secret is to warm the pizza in a hot skillet on the stove for a few minutes with the lid on—this crisps up the crust while melting the cheese without drying it out. Alternatively, a quick turn under the broiler works too, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for the Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll want to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy pizza. I prefer fresh spinach for the best texture and bright flavor, but frozen works in a pinch if well drained.
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How do I make this pizza gluten-free?
You can substitute the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version available in many grocery stores or make your own gluten-free dough. The toppings and sauce remain the same, so it’s an easy swap to satisfy gluten sensitivities.
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Can I prepare the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The béchamel sauce can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated. When ready to assemble your pizza, gently reheat it on low while stirring before spreading on the crust.
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What’s the best way to get a crispy crust without a pizza stone?
If you don’t have a pizza stone, a heavy baking sheet turned upside down and preheated in the oven can help mimic those effects. Just transfer the pizza to the hot surface using parchment paper as you would with a stone, and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it marries comfort, flavor, and fun in the kitchen perfectly. I love how the creamy sauce complements the fresh veggies and crispy crust—every slice feels like a special treat. I really hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do—it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to whenever pizza night rolls around.
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Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious Spinach Artichoke Pizza that combines the creamy, savory flavors of spinach artichoke dip with a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. This comforting pizza features sautéed spinach, a rich béchamel sauce, a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, and tender canned artichoke hearts, baked to golden perfection on a pizza stone.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 16 oz pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Spinach and 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
Cheeses and Toppings
- 4 oz provolone cheese (about 1 cup, deli slices chopped)
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 oz finely shredded parmesan cheese (slightly packed 1/2 cup)
- 6 – 8 canned artichoke hearts, drained well and quartered (do not use marinated)
- Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pizza Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), placing a pizza stone inside to heat for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, stretch and shape the pizza dough into a 13-inch round on a sheet of parchment paper, creating a taller rim around the edges.
- Brush and Season Crust: Brush the dough evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the dough rest while the pizza stone continues to preheat. If the dough was refrigerated, make sure to 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 fresh spinach and sauté just until wilted. Transfer the spinach onto paper towels and press gently to remove excess moisture. Finely chop and set aside.
- Make Spinach Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and onion powder; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and increase heat to medium-high, cooking and stirring until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, then stir in minced garlic and the sautéed, chopped spinach.
- Prepare Remaining Spinach: Finely chop the remaining fresh spinach to yield about 1 1/2 cups, and set aside for layering on the pizza.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the spinach béchamel sauce evenly over the pizza crust, avoiding the outer rim. Sprinkle the chopped fresh spinach over the sauce, followed by the provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Finally, scatter the quartered artichoke hearts on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Using a pizza peel, slide the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, cut into slices, and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes to add a little heat.
Notes
- This recipe blends the beloved flavors of spinach artichoke dip into an irresistible pizza, creating the ultimate comfort food.
- Make sure the artichoke hearts are drained thoroughly to avoid soggy pizza.
- If using refrigerated dough, always bring it to room temperature before shaping for best results.
- You can adjust the cheese blend to your preference or substitute with similar cheeses as desired.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, but a baking sheet can be used in a pinch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/5 of pizza)
- Calories: 531 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1244 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg