Spinach and Artichoke Pizza with Cheesy Bread Crust Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach and Artichoke Pizza with Cheesy Bread Crust combines the creamy richness of melted cheeses with the fresh earthiness of spinach and marinated artichokes. The unique cheesy crust adds an indulgent twist, making it a perfect homemade treat for pizza lovers looking to elevate their slice.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (use to taste)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 16 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup whole milk mozzarella, cubed
• 1/2 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup shredded fontina, gouda, or mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• 1 (8 ounce) jar marinated artichokes, drained

Instructions

1. Step 1: Position the oven rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours. If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, fennel seed, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Cook until the garlic turns golden and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour the garlic butter into a small bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the baby spinach along with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted, then drain any excess water thoroughly.
4. Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll or push out the pizza dough to form a thin 12 to 14-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled sheet pan. Arrange the cubed mozzarella evenly around the edge of the dough. Fold the dough edges over the cheese and pinch to seal, creating a cheesy crust.
5. Step 5: Spread the garlic butter over the center of the dough, then add the cooked spinach evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and grated parmesan on top. Toss the drained artichokes with a little olive oil and arrange them evenly over the pizza.
6. Step 6: Bake the pizza on the upper oven rack for 10 minutes. Rotate the pizza and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, add fresh basil if desired, slice, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a pizza stone or preheated baking steel for a crispier crust.
• Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor.
• Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein and heartiness.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
• If you don’t have marinated artichokes, substitute with roasted or grilled artichokes.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crust crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the garlic butter and spinach ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter and wilted spinach a few hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated and bring to room temperature before assembling the pizza.

What if I don’t have all the dried herbs listed?

If you’re short on herbs, use just basil and oregano as they provide the classic Italian flavors that complement the spinach and artichokes. Fresh herbs can also be used if dried aren’t available.

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza with Cheesy Bread Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 12-14 inch pizza, serves 3-4 people 1x

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Description

This Spinach and Artichoke Pizza features a unique cheesy bread crust filled with melted mozzarella, topped with garlicky spinach, marinated artichokes, and a blend of melted cheeses for a rich, flavorful twist on classic pizza. The combination of savory herbs and creamy cheeses makes it a perfect party or family dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Herb Garlic Butter:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (use to taste)

Spinach Topping:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 16 ounces fresh baby spinach

Pizza Base and Cheese:

• 1/2 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup whole milk mozzarella, cubed
• 1 cup shredded fontina, gouda, or mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Toppings:

• 1 (8 ounce) jar marinated artichokes, drained

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Position the oven rack in the upper third and preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours to ensure even heat. If using a baking stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
2. Make Herb Garlic Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, fennel seed, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the garlic turns golden and crispy. Pour the garlic butter into a bowl and set aside.
3. Cook Spinach: Using the same skillet, add olive oil, baby spinach, and salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and most of the excess water has evaporated. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare Dough with Cheese Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll or press the pizza dough into a thin 12-14 inch circle. Transfer to a lightly oiled sheet pan. Distribute the cubed mozzarella around the outer edge of the dough. Fold the dough edges over the cheese cubes and pinch to seal, creating a stuffed cheesy crust.
5. Assemble Pizza: Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the dough inside the crust. Layer the cooked spinach over the garlic butter. Sprinkle shredded fontina (or gouda/mozzarella) and parmesan cheese over the spinach. Toss the drained artichokes with a drizzle of olive oil and distribute them evenly on top.
6. Bake: Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pizza and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Preheating the oven for an extended time ensures a crispy crust, especially if using a baking stone.
• Make sure to squeeze excess water from the cooked spinach to avoid a soggy pizza.
• You can substitute the cheeses with your preferred blends; sharp cheddar or provolone also work well.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Use fresh basil as a topping for added color and flavor although it is optional.
• If you don’t have a baking stone, a preheated heavy baking sheet can be used.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Spinach and Artichoke Pizza, Cheesy Bread Crust Pizza, Garlic Butter Pizza, Vegetarian Pizza, Homemade Pizza