This white pizza with ricotta, spinach, and garlic feels like a warm hug on a plate. It comforts you with every bite and brings a touch of freshness that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, it’s a recipe that’s straightforward yet satisfying. I love how simple ingredients come together to create a pizza that feels both special and familiar.
The key ingredients make all the difference here. We start with a pound of pizza dough as the base, giving that soft but crisp crust everyone loves. The ricotta cheese adds creaminess and richness, while fresh spinach brings a pleasant earthiness and color. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top, providing gooey, cheesy goodness. A generous amount of minced garlic warmed in olive oil infuses the pizza with savory depth. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick to balance the flavors, and fresh basil on the finished pizza makes for a fragrant, pretty touch.
Making this pizza is easier than you might think. First, you preheat the oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get that perfect crust. Then, you make a quick garlic oil by warming olive oil with minced garlic. After rolling out your dough into a 12-inch round, you brush it with that fragrant garlic oil, dollop ricotta evenly, add wilted chopped spinach and mozzarella, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Baking only takes 12 to 14 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles. Finally, garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately for the best taste.
This pizza is great for chilly evenings when you want something cozy but not too heavy. It also works well when you have friends over or want a quick weeknight meal. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated easily, making it a practical and crowd-pleasing option. It hits that sweet spot between fresh and indulgent, which makes it a go-to in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This White Pizza Ricotta Spinach Garlic
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have at home
- Garlic oil gives it a rich, savory flavor without overpowering
- Creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with melty mozzarella and tender spinach
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings
- Leftovers reheat well and taste almost as good as fresh
Spinach Tips
When working with fresh spinach, it’s best to wilt it before adding to the pizza. Wilted spinach reduces moisture, which prevents the pizza from becoming soggy. To do this, simply sauté the spinach in a dry pan or microwave it for 1-2 minutes until it softens, then chop it roughly. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and crisp when you buy it. Avoid any bunches that look wilted or yellowed. If you want to save time, you can buy pre-wilted or frozen spinach, but make sure to squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it to your pizza.
Options for Substitutions
- Swap fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor
- Use part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese for a lighter option
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer cheese taste
- Replace red pepper flakes with a small drizzle of hot honey or omit for no heat
- Use garlic-infused olive oil instead of making garlic oil separately for speed
- Fresh basil can be swapped with oregano or parsley for a different herbal touch
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is not preheating your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet long enough. The high heat and very hot surface help create that crispy crust, so make sure to give it at least 30 minutes to get fully heated. Another pitfall can be burning the garlic in the oil. Garlic cooks quickly and becomes bitter if browned, so warm it gently just until fragrant. When stretching the dough, too much flour can make the crust dry; a light dusting is enough to prevent sticking.
Putting the toppings on too thickly can also cause issues. The ricotta and spinach should be spread evenly, but not overly thick, to keep the dough crisp. Finally, watch the baking time carefully; leaving the pizza in too long can dry out the cheese and crust. Aim for bubbly cheese and golden crust, usually around 12-14 minutes.
What to Serve With White Pizza Ricotta Spinach Garlic?
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, such as arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, to add lightness to the meal. A bowl of tomato soup makes a cozy side for dipping, especially on cooler days. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the rich cheeses well. For a simple addition, a few olives or marinated artichokes add a nice salty contrast.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftover pizza, place the slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen pizza slices stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat the pizza in a 400°F oven for about 8 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, but if you do, heat for short intervals to prevent sogginess.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: About 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 to 14 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 4 slices
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 900 to 1,100 kcal
Protein: 50 to 60 grams
Fat: 60 to 70 grams
Carbohydrates: 70 to 80 grams
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1.5 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside the oven so it gets hot. This helps create a crisp crust once your pizza goes in. Let the oven heat fully for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil
In a small pan, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not brown, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. Once ready, remove from the heat.
Step 3: Stretch the Dough
Lightly flour a pizza peel or piece of parchment paper. Roll or stretch your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch round. Be gentle to keep the dough even in thickness.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Brush the dough evenly with the garlic oil you prepared. Use spoonfuls to dollop the ricotta cheese across the surface. Scatter the wilted and chopped spinach evenly on top. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over everything. Finally, add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer your pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, melted cheese.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, take the pizza out and garnish it with fresh basil leaves. Slice into 4 to 6 pieces and serve immediately while warm.
Conclusion
This white pizza with ricotta, spinach, and garlic is a delicious, comforting meal that’s simple enough for any home cook to tackle. The creamy cheese, fresh greens, and bright basil make every bite special without any fuss. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to leave your thoughts and share how you made it your own. If you want more recipes like this, check out my other easy-to-make pizza and comfort food ideas.
Print
White Pizza with Ricotta, Spinach, and Garlic
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make white pizza topped with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1.5 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside the oven to heat.
- Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat in a small pan, add minced garlic, and cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Lightly flour a surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch round.
- Brush the dough evenly with the prepared garlic oil. Dollop ricotta cheese across the surface.
- Scatter wilted and chopped spinach on top, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, ensure the oven and pizza stone are well preheated to achieve a crispy crust. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
