artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

This artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with the earthy taste of artichokes. Perfect for any occasion, this pizza is not only satisfying but also a great way to impress your guests. Its unique blend of ingredients ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a standout choice for pizza lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The spinach parmesan cream sauce adds a luscious texture and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the toppings.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up this gourmet pizza in under an hour.
• Versatile Toppings: Feel free to customize this pizza with your favorite vegetables or protein options, making it suitable for various tastes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza will be a hit at any table.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and artichokes, it’s a delicious way to incorporate veggies into your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in creating the perfect artichoke pizza.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Pizza stone: Provides even heat distribution, resulting in a crispy crust.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for easily combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending the cream sauce ingredients together.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for your pizza dough.

Ingredients

This artichoke pizza is spread with a creamy parmesan spinach sauce, then sprinkled with mozzarella, pecorino, and marinated artichoke hearts.

For the Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
• 1 1/2 oz cream cheese
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 oz finely grated parmesan
• 3 oz baby spinach

For the Pizza Base

• 1/2 recipe artisan pizza dough (one 15 oz dough ball)
• spinach cream sauce (all of recipe above)

For the Toppings

• 4 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (whole milk, if possible)
• 1 oz coarsely grated pecorino
• 4 oz marinated artichoke quarters (8-10), drained and patted dry

How to Make artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure it gets hot.

Step 2: Make the Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and garlic clove.
2. Cook until simmering but not boiling.
3. Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted.
4. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Add finely grated parmesan and baby spinach; stir until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Roll Out Your Dough

1. Lightly flour your work surface.
2. Take your artisan pizza dough and roll it out into a 12-inch round using a rolling pin.
3. Transfer the rolled dough onto a floured baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza

1. Spread an even layer of the spinach parmesan cream sauce over the dough.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top.
3. Add coarsely grated pecorino and distribute marinated artichoke quarters over everything.

Step 5: Bake Your Pizza

Place your assembled pizza in the oven on the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove your artichoke pizza from the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite!

How to Serve artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

Serving artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce can enhance your dining experience. The creamy, savory flavors pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: A classic choice, this salad’s crisp romaine and creamy dressing complement the rich pizza.

Add Some Crunch

• Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery sticks add a delightful crunch and pair wonderfully with the pizza.
• Vegetable Chips: Serve dehydrated vegetable chips for a healthy, crunchy side that adds texture to your meal.

Enhance with Dips

• Marinara Sauce: A side of marinara can add a zesty touch for those who enjoy dipping their crust.
• Hummus: A creamy hummus can provide an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the pizza’s richness.

How to Perfect artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

To achieve the best results when making artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses for richer flavors in your sauce.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza to achieve a crispy crust.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust salt and pepper in the spinach cream sauce to enhance its flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes to personalize your pizza.

Best Side Dishes for artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

Complementing your artichoke pizza with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Caprese Salad: This fresh salad features ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs make a flavorful side that’s easy to prepare.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with vegetables offers nutritious value alongside your meal.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds a crispy texture that pairs well.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs can create an appealing appetizer before the main course.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb option while still being satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the cream sauce prep: Neglecting to prepare the spinach parmesan cream sauce properly can lead to a lackluster flavor. Always blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy for the best results.

• Overloading on toppings: Adding too many toppings can overwhelm the delicate flavors of artichokes and spinach. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced taste.

• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking the pizza.

• Using low-quality cheese: Using inferior cheese can compromise the taste and texture of your pizza. Opt for high-quality mozzarella and pecorino for optimal flavor.

• Ignoring dough instructions: Rushing through the dough preparation can affect its texture. Follow the dough recipe closely, allowing it enough time to rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce and its preparation tips.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach leaves. Just chop them roughly before adding them to your cream sauce.

What type of cheese works best for this pizza?

For an ideal flavor, use low-moisture mozzarella and coarsely grated pecorino cheese. They melt well and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How do I customize my artichoke pizza?

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives or even switch cheeses based on your preference while keeping the core recipe intact.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute traditional pizza dough with gluten-free options available in stores or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.

Final Thoughts

Artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spices to suit your taste. This recipe captures rich flavors while being simple enough for weeknight dinners. Give it a try!