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This Mediterranean white pizza brings together roasted garlic, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses for a flavorful and inviting dish. It’s ideal for a relaxed dinner that feels both special and comforting without too much fuss.
Ingredients
- Garlic bulb: roasting softens and sweetens for that comforting base flavor
- Fresh spinach: adds brightness and a vibrant touch, pick firm leaves with good color
- Feta cheese, crumbled: brings a salty tang that cuts through the creaminess
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: melts beautifully, creating that classic pizza texture
- Heavy whipping cream: adds richness to the sauce, choose fresh for best flavor
- Cream cheese at room temperature: ensures smooth blending in the sauce
- Ricotta cheese: provides a light, fluffy creaminess, look for fresh and whole milk
- Parmesan, finely shredded: sharpens the overall taste with a nutty undertone
- Dried oregano: essential for that Mediterranean herb flavor
- Olive oil: split between roasting and drizzling, use good quality extra virgin for best results
- Optional chili flakes: for a hint of heat if you like a little kick
- Pizza dough ball: homemade or store-bought, choose one that is fresh and pliable
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the garlic bulb:
- Take off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some salt. Wrap it tightly in foil and roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes or until the cloves are very soft and golden. This slow roast mellows the garlic’s sharpness into a sweet, buttery paste.
- Prepare the creamy white sauce:
- Once the garlic has cooled slightly, mash the roasted cloves into a smooth paste. In a bowl, blend the garlic paste with ricotta, Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. The sauce should be rich and spreadable.
- Stretch the dough:
- Turn your oven up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Flour your countertop well and gently stretch your dough ball until it reaches your preferred size, about 12 inches in diameter for this recipe. Be careful not to tear the dough so it can hold the toppings and bake evenly.
- Assemble the pizza:
- Spread the prepared white garlic sauce evenly over the stretched dough. Layer chopped fresh spinach over the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese on top. Finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano and the optional chili flakes. Drizzle a little olive oil over everything to help the cheese brown nicely.
- Bake and finish:
- Place the pizza on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Bake in the hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crust edges are crisp and lightly browned. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing to let the toppings set.
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Storage Tips
Leftover pizza stores well in the fridge wrapped tightly, and reheats nicely in a hot oven or skillet to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving which can make it soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in foil and warmed later directly from frozen.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have ricotta, cottage cheese blended smooth can work in a pinch although texture will be less creamy. For dairy-free options, try tofu ricotta or cashew cream. Fresh kale or arugula can replace the spinach for a peppery twist. Goat cheese can swap for feta for a tangier punch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza alongside a light Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives dressed in lemon and olive oil. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with fresh lemon complements the creamy richness beautifully. Leftover pizza also pairs well with a simple bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
Cultural Context
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White pizza is a classic variation popular in Mediterranean and Italian-American cooking, focusing on creamy cheeses and garlic rather than tomato sauce. This version incorporates elements typical of Mediterranean cuisine like feta cheese and oregano, bringing warmth and bright flavors reminiscent of coastal regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should the garlic be prepared for this pizza?
Roast the whole garlic bulb wrapped in foil at 400°F for about 35 minutes until soft. This mellows its flavor and creates a smooth base for the sauce.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used in the topping?
Yes, while feta, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan provide distinct flavors and textures, similar soft and crumbly cheeses can be used as alternatives.
- → What is the best way to stretch the dough without tearing it?
Lightly flour your surface, gently press from the center outward, and stretch gradually to your desired size, avoiding thin spots for a sturdy crust.
- → How can I make the crust crispier?
Using a pizza stone preheated in the oven helps achieve a crisper crust by evenly distributing heat and absorbing moisture from the dough.
- → Are chili flakes necessary in this dish?
Chili flakes are optional and add a mild heat that complements the creamy and savory elements but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- → Can I add other toppings for extra flavor?
Olives or sundried tomatoes can enhance the pizza's Mediterranean profile, adding bursts of salty and sweet notes.