White Pizza with Spinach

This white pizza with spinach and roasted garlic brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with its creamy ricotta base, tender roasted garlic cloves, and perfect blend of cheeses. The combination of garlic-infused ricotta and whole roasted cloves creates layers of flavor that make this vegetarian pie absolutely irresistible.

I first made this when hosting a pizza night for friends with varying dietary preferences. The vegetarians raved about the rich flavors, while the meat-eaters who tried both versions unanimously agreed the vegetarian version was equally satisfying.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Creates a perfect crispy yet chewy base without the hassle of making dough from scratch
• Garlic cloves: Whole heads provide two experiences roasted cloves mixed into ricotta for baseline flavor and whole cloves on top for bursts of sweetness
• Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy white sauce base that distinguishes this from traditional tomato-based pizzas
• Fresh basil: Brightens the rich flavors and adds beautiful color contrast
• Honey: Balances the garlic with a subtle sweetness that most people cannot identify but definitely miss when omitted
• Dried oregano: Provides that classic pizza flavor profile you expect
• Frozen chopped spinach: Offers convenience and nutrition look for packages without added sodium
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect pizza stretch factor use part-skim for better melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Allow refrigerated dough to come to room temperature according to package instructions usually about 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes stretching much easier. While waiting, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your roasted garlic.

Roast the Garlic:

Place unpeeled garlic cloves on foil, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then wrap into a sealed packet. Roast for about 25 minutes until cloves turn golden, soft, and develop a sweet aroma. The skins protect the garlic from burning while allowing it to caramelize perfectly. Let cool before peeling.

Create the Ricotta Mixture:

Smash 8 roasted garlic cloves with a fork until they form a paste, then blend with ricotta, olive oil, fresh basil, honey, oregano, salt and pepper. This creates your flavorful white sauce base with complex garlic notes that permeate throughout the pizza.

Assemble the Pizza:

Stretch dough into a 14-inch round or two 8-inch rounds if making both vegetarian and chicken versions. Place dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly across the dough, scatter spinach and remaining whole roasted garlic cloves on top. The whole cloves become little treasures of sweet garlic flavor when you bite into them.

Add Toppings and Cheese:

If using chicken, distribute it evenly over half the pizza or on a separate smaller pizza. Cover everything with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, making sure to get some cheese around the edges where it will caramelize beautifully against the crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake at 450°F for just 9-10 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese bubbles. This high heat creates the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Let rest for a couple minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Roasted garlic completely transforms this pizza. The first time I made it, my daughter who typically picks off "chunks" from pizza actually requested extra garlic cloves on her slices. The roasting process turns that sharp, pungent flavor into something sweet and almost buttery that even garlic-skeptics enjoy.

Storing Leftovers

Pizza leftovers maintain their quality when stored properly. Place cooled slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than microwave to maintain the crispy crust texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe shines with its original ingredients, flexibility is possible. Swap fresh spinach for frozen by sautéing 1 pound fresh spinach with a tablespoon of water until wilted, then draining excess moisture. Dairy-free versions work with plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. If time is short, roasted garlic in a jar can substitute for fresh-roasted, though the flavor will be slightly less complex.

Serving Suggestions

This white pizza pairs beautifully with acidic accompaniments that balance its richness. Serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. For wine pairing, choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate garlic flavor. Add a side of warm marinara sauce for those who enjoy dipping their crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I roast the garlic for this pizza?

To roast garlic, place peeled garlic cloves on foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and seal the foil into a packet. Roast at 375°F for about 25 minutes until golden and soft.

→ Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Use your favorite pizza dough recipe or a store-bought dough. For a shortcut, Trader Joe's garlic & herb dough works well with this recipe.

→ Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free version available at many stores or prepare a homemade gluten-free pizza dough.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Along with grilled chicken, you can add mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavors.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the spinach?

The recipe uses thawed and squeezed frozen spinach, but you can also sauté fresh spinach briefly to remove excess moisture if preferred.

→ How do I store leftover pizza?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to maintain crispness.