Spinach Pizza: Which Cheeses Melt And Mix The Best?

what cheese is on spinach pizza

Spinach pizza is a delicious and nutritious meal, and there are many different types of cheese that can be used to make it. The most popular cheeses for spinach pizza include mozzarella, feta, ricotta, and Parmesan. Some recipes also call for an Italian cheese blend, goat cheese, or blue cheese. Spinach pizza can be made with a variety of other toppings, such as garlic, tomatoes, and onions, and is usually baked in the oven for around 10-15 minutes.

Characteristics and Values Table for Spinach Pizza Cheese

Characteristics Values
Type of Cheese Mozzarella, Feta, Ricotta, Parmesan, Goat Cheese, Italian Cheese Blend, Blue Cheese, White Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Vegan Mozzarella
Texture Tangy, Bold, Crispy, Creamy, Sweet, Gooey, Melty, Crunchy
Preparation Shredded, Crumbled, Grated, Dollops, Mixed with Spinach, Mixed with other Cheeses

cycheese

Mozzarella, feta and spinach pizza

Mozzarella, feta, and spinach pizza is a delicious and healthy meal that can be easily made from scratch. The pizza combines the bold, tangy flavour of feta with the creamy texture of mozzarella and the health benefits of spinach.

Ingredients

To make this pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Pizza dough
  • Spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • Mozzarella cheese (whole-milk mozzarella in water or shredded firm mozzarella)
  • Feta cheese (a block of feta or crumbled feta)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Oregano (optional)
  • Garlic (fresh)

Method

  • Prepare the pizza dough according to the package instructions. Use floured hands to stretch and shape the dough, then place it on a greased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until light golden.
  • Add spinach to the skillet a handful at a time and sauté until wilted. Season the spinach mixture with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  • Prepare the cheese by cutting the mozzarella ball into ½-inch thick pieces. Blot any excess moisture with a paper towel. Crumble the feta using your fingers or cut it into smaller pieces.
  • Assemble the pizza by scattering mozzarella, feta, and spinach evenly on top of the dough. Sprinkle salt and a drizzle of olive oil on top (optional).
  • Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425-450°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
  • Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two before serving. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil or garlic oil on top, and sprinkle with black pepper or red pepper flakes for extra flavour.

Variations and Tips

  • If using frozen spinach, ensure it is completely thawed and dried to remove excess moisture. Fresh baby spinach can also be used without washing or chopping.
  • For a white pizza, substitute the olive oil layer on the crust with a garlicky Alfredo sauce.
  • Experiment with additional toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sliced red onions, canned artichokes, roasted bell peppers, or blue cheese.
  • For a thin-crust pizza, use drier fillings and minimize the use of fresh tomatoes and sauces.
  • To reheat leftovers, use an oven, toaster oven, or skillet to melt the cheese again without drying out the crust.

cycheese

Ricotta and spinach pizza

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder

For the toppings:

  • Spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Red onions
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Oregano
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes (optional)

Method

First, prepare the pizza dough according to the package or recipe instructions. Preheat your oven to 450°F or 460°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.

Next, heat some olive oil in a skillet and add the spinach and garlic. Sauté until the spinach is wilted, then transfer to a bowl and mix with the ricotta cheese.

Drizzle olive oil over the pizza dough, then sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes. Add the spinach and ricotta mixture, followed by the mozzarella cheese.

Bake the pizza in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. This should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven.

Finally, remove the pizza from the oven and top with freshly cracked black pepper and some shaved parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

There are many variations and additions you can make to this recipe. Here are a few ideas:

  • Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Add some sliced red onions on top for a boost of flavor.
  • Try using different types of cheese, such as feta, parmesan, or blue cheese.
  • Make it a white pizza by substituting the layer of olive oil on the crust for a garlicky homemade alfredo sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust recipe or a keto/low-carb option like a broccoli pizza crust.
  • To make it vegan, use vegan mozzarella and omit the ricotta cheese.

cycheese

Goat cheese and spinach pizza

Spinach pizza is a delicious and healthy meal that can be made even more mouth-watering with the addition of goat cheese. This combination of spinach and goat cheese creates a flavoursome and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or a light snack. Here is a recipe for a delicious goat cheese and spinach pizza that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

  • Pizza dough
  • Spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • Goat cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • Tomato pizza sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Oregano

Instructions:

  • Prepare the pizza dough according to the package directions or make your own dough. If using frozen dough, ensure it is thawed beforehand. Stretch the dough instead of rolling it for a better result.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 20 seconds until light golden.
  • Add spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted. Season the spinach with salt and pepper, and set it aside.
  • Prepare the cheese by grating the mozzarella and crumbling the goat cheese into chunks.
  • Spread the tomato pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a gap of approximately 1 inch from the edge.
  • Layer the mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  • Add the sautéed spinach on top of the cheese.
  • Place the crumbled goat cheese chunks on top of the spinach.
  • Sprinkle oregano and red pepper flakes over the pizza for added flavour.
  • Transfer the pizza to a preheated baking tray in the oven.
  • Bake the pizza at 230°C for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Variations:

While this recipe is delicious as it is, you can also experiment with additional toppings to create different flavours:

  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Kalamata olives
  • Sliced red onions
  • Canned artichokes
  • Roasted bell peppers
  • Blue cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Chicken
  • Seafood (shrimp or crab meat)

Garnish the pizza with extra virgin olive oil or garlic oil for an extra kick of flavour.

So, the next time you're craving pizza, why not try this delicious goat cheese and spinach combination? It's a perfect blend of flavours and a great way to include some greens in your meal!

cycheese

Parmesan and spinach pizza

Spinach pizza is a tasty and healthy meal packed with flavour. Spinach is a wonderful combination with a variety of cheeses, and Parmesan is no exception.

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough
  • Spinach (fresh is best, but frozen spinach can be used if thawed and dried)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Additional toppings of your choice (e.g. tomatoes, artichokes, red onion, bell peppers)

Method

Firstly, prepare your pizza dough according to the package instructions. Use floured hands to stretch and shape the dough, then place it on a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.

Next, make the spinach topping. Heat some butter in a pan and add crushed garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic turns golden. Add the spinach to the pan and toss until it wilts. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle Parmesan over the spinach. Toss the spinach in the cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the spinach mixture over the pizza dough, leaving a gap of around an inch from the edge. Top with mozzarella cheese, then place sliced roasted garlic cloves over the spinach. You can also add other toppings of your choice, such as sliced tomatoes, at this stage.

Bake the pizza in the oven at 400 degrees for around 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone.

Serve the pizza hot, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil or garlic oil. Enjoy!

cycheese

Spinach pizza toppings

Spinach pizza is a delicious and healthy meal, and there are many toppings that can be added to enhance its flavour. Here are some ideas for spinach pizza toppings:

Cheese

Spinach pizza is commonly made with cheese, and there are several varieties that pair well with spinach. Mozzarella is a popular choice, as it has a mild, creamy flavour that goes well with spinach. Fresh mozzarella, low-moisture dry mozzarella, and shredded mozzarella can all be used. Feta cheese is another option that adds a tangy, bold flavour that pairs well with spinach. Ricotta cheese is also a good choice, as it is soft, creamy, and sweet, and it is commonly used in Florentine-inspired pizzas. Other cheese options include Parmesan, blue cheese, goat cheese, and Italian cheese blends.

Vegetables

Spinach is the star vegetable on this pizza, but other vegetables can be added as toppings to enhance the flavour and nutritional value. Tomatoes are a popular choice, and they can be thinly sliced or chopped. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be used for a more intense flavour. Other vegetable toppings include Kalamata olives, sliced red onions, canned artichokes, roasted bell peppers, and leafy greens such as sautéed kale.

Meat

If you are not looking for a vegetarian option, you can add meat toppings to your spinach pizza. Options include chopped or shredded chicken, chicken sausage slices, bacon, prosciutto, shrimp, and crab meat.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices can be added to a spinach pizza to enhance its flavour. Garlic is a popular choice, and it can be added in various forms such as minced garlic, garlic oil, or garlic confit. Fresh garlic can also be cooked with the spinach before it is added to the pizza. Other herbs and spices that can be used include oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Frequently asked questions

Mozzarella, feta, ricotta, parmesan, goat cheese, blue cheese or Italian cheese blends are all popular choices for spinach pizza.

Yes, but it is recommended to thaw it completely and remove excess moisture by blotting it with a kitchen towel or squeezing it over a bowl or sink.

Spinach can be sautéed with garlic before being added to the pizza to remove moisture and bring out its flavour. However, some recipes call for fresh spinach to be added during the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Spinach pizza can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including tomatoes, red onions, garlic, artichokes, bell peppers, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

Spinach pizza is often made with an Alfredo sauce or olive oil as a base, but garlic-infused crusts and ricotta sauce are also popular.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment