artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

This artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is a delightful treat. It’s perfect for pizza night or any gathering, showcasing a creamy spinach base topped with savory mozzarella, pecorino, and marinated artichokes. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that makes it a standout dish for family meals or friendly gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The creamy spinach parmesan sauce elevates this pizza, making it rich and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can prepare this pizza in about an hour.
• Versatile Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings according to your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
• Great for Leftovers: This pizza reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebration, this pizza fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Pizza stone: Helps create a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat during baking.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly, especially for the creamy sauce.
• Saucepan: Used to cook the spinach parmesan cream sauce until it’s perfectly blended and warm.
• Whisk: A handy tool for mixing ingredients without clumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

For this delicious artichoke pizza, gather the following ingredients:

For the Creamy Spinach Parmesan 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)

For Toppings

• spinach cream sauce (all of recipe above)
• 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 the Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and smashed garlic clove.
2. Cook until it simmers gently, then reduce heat to low.
3. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add finely grated parmesan and baby spinach; stir until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll out your artisan pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
2. Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet or heated pizza stone.
3. Spread an even layer of spinach cream sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by coarsely grated pecorino.
5. Finally, evenly distribute marinated artichoke quarters over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Place your assembled pizza in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce!

How to Serve artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

Serving this delicious artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce can elevate your dining experience. The creamy, savory flavors pair beautifully with various sides and beverages.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza.

Offer Garlic Bread

• Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy sauce and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots add nutrients and texture, making a perfect accompaniment.

Enjoy with a Fruit Platter

• A refreshing fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of pizza.

Complement with Sparkling Water

• Sparkling water infused with lemon or lime provides a bubbly refreshment that enhances the flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

Achieving the perfect artichoke pizza requires some attention to detail in both preparation and cooking techniques.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses will enhance the flavor of your pizza significantly.
• Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is thoroughly preheated to ensure crispy crust and even cooking.
• Don’t overload on toppings: Less is often more; too many toppings can make the pizza soggy.
• Let the dough rest: Allowing your pizza dough to rest before stretching makes it easier to handle and results in a better texture.
• Experiment with spices: Adding herbs like oregano or crushed red pepper flakes can give an extra kick to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

A well-rounded meal includes thoughtful side dishes that enhance the enjoyment of your artichoke pizza. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with a tangy dressing and croutons for added crunch.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing bite.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese make for an excellent appetizer.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a healthy touch while complementing the creamy flavors of your pizza.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter brings summer flavors to your table, making it a crowd-pleaser.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using stale pizza dough: Fresh dough is essential for a great crust. Always check the expiration date and use it within its suggested timeframe.
• Overcooking the spinach: Spinach should be wilted but not mushy. Sauté it just until it wilts to keep its vibrant color and flavor.
• Ignoring the cheese ratios: Using too much or too little cheese can affect texture and taste. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
• Skipping ingredient prep: Properly preparing your ingredients—like draining and drying artichokes—ensures they won’t make your pizza soggy.
• Not preheating the oven: A hot oven is crucial for crispy crust. Preheat it well before baking your pizza to achieve that perfect golden finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover artichoke pizza in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they will keep 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 and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce?

Artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce features a creamy mixture of parmesan and spinach as a base, topped with mozzarella, pecorino cheese, and marinated artichokes.

Can I customize my artichoke pizza toppings?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even different cheeses based on your preference.

How do I make my own artisan pizza dough?

You can make artisan dough using flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Let it rise until doubled in size before rolling out.

What should I serve with my artichoke pizza?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this rich and creamy pizza.

Final Thoughts

This artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces. It’s perfect for any occasion—dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!