This creamy spinach pizza has all the flavors you love in spanakopita without all the hassle of making it. Spinach, dill, feta, parsley and a creamy sauce all go on to make this delectable pizza.
Ingredients
Frozen spinach
Flat-leaf parsley
Yellow onion: if you prefer you can substitute sweet onion or ½ cup of green onions
Garlic
Feta cheese
Fresh dill weed
Olive oil
Crushed red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
Pizza dough
Alfredo sauce: you can use store-bought or homemade
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh lemon juice, optional
How to Make Creamy Spinach Pizza
Preheat to oven to 425 degrees.
Combine the spinach, parsley, onion, garlic, feta and dill in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and stir to mix well. Season with pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
Spread the pizza dough out on a pan. Top with ½ cup of the alfredo sauce and spread out leaving a small border around the edge. Top with the spinach mixture followed by the mozzarella cheese. Next drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup of alfredo sauce.
Cook the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is beginning to brown. Serve warm topped with lemon juice if desired.
What is the difference in curly and flat parsley
Curly parsley has tightly curled, ruffled leaves that are bright green and have a slightly bitter taste. It is often used as a garnish due to its decorative appearance. Flat-leaf parsley has flat, broad leaves that are darker green and have a stronger, more robust flavor. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines as a fresh herb in salads, soups, stews, and sauces.
In general, flat-leaf parsley is considered to have a more pronounced flavor and is preferred for cooking, while curly parsley is more often used as a garnish. However, both varieties can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
Best way to thaw and drain frozen spinach
There are a few methods for thawing and draining frozen spinach, depending on how much time you have and how you plan to use the spinach. Here are a few options:
- Microwave Method: Place the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until thawed. Drain the excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Stovetop Method: Place the frozen spinach in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until thawed. Drain the excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Overnight Thawing Method: Place the frozen spinach in a container or ziplock bag and place it in the refrigerator overnight. The spinach will thaw slowly and evenly, and you can drain the excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth the next day.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach after thawing to prevent any excess liquid from diluting the flavors of your dish. A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth can help you remove as much liquid as possible.
What is spanakopita
This Creamy Spinach Pizza is inspired by the flavors of traditional Spanakopita, so what does that mean?
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek savory pastry made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, eggs, and phyllo pastry. It is typically served as an appetizer or snack, but can also be served as a main dish. The filling is made by cooking spinach with onions, herbs, and feta cheese, and then mixing it with beaten eggs to create a custard-like texture.
The filling is then layered between sheets of phyllo pastry, which are brushed with melted butter to create a crispy, golden crust. Spanakopita can be served hot or cold, and is often cut into small triangles or squares for easy serving. It is a popular dish in Greek cuisine and can be found in many Greek restaurants and markets around the world.
Uses for leftover alfredo sauce
This creamy spinach pizza uses only ¾ a cup of alfredo sauce so you may end up having some leftover. Here are some ideas to use up your leftover alfredo sauce from your creamy spinach pizza.
- Pasta dishes: Use the leftover Alfredo sauce as a base for other pasta dishes. Simply add some cooked pasta and additional ingredients like vegetables, chicken, or shrimp for a quick and easy meal.
- Vegetable dip: Alfredo sauce can make a tasty and creamy dip for raw vegetables. Simply heat it up and serve with celery, carrots, and other veggies for dipping.
- Pizza topping: Use the Alfredo sauce as a pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce. Top with cheese, chicken, bacon, or your favorite toppings for a delicious twist on traditional pizza.
- Baked potato topping: Spoon the Alfredo sauce over a baked potato instead of traditional toppings like butter and sour cream. Add some bacon bits, chives, and cheese for a loaded baked potato experience.
- Creamy soup base: Use the Alfredo sauce as a base for a creamy soup. Simply add chicken or vegetable stock, your favorite vegetables, and some cooked chicken or shrimp for a hearty soup.
- Casseroles: Use the Alfredo sauce as a base for casseroles like chicken and broccoli. Simply mix the Alfredo sauce with cooked chicken, broccoli, and some pasta, top with cheese, and bake in the oven.
How to store leftover creamy spinach pizza
To store leftover creamy spinach pizza, follow these steps:
- Let the pizza cool down at room temperature for 20-30 minutes after cooking.
- Slice the pizza into serving-size portions using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
- Place the pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store the pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
It’s important to note that reheating the pizza in the oven will help to preserve its texture and flavor. Avoid reheating the pizza in the microwave, as this can result in a soggy and unappetizing crust.
If you like this creamy spinach pizza, try some of our other spinach recipes:
Or our other pizza recipes:
Creamy Spinach Pizza
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag frozen spinach thawed and well drained
- 1 bunch Italian flat-leaf parsley stems removed, finely chopped
- ½ yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 5 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- ½ bunch dill weed stems removed, finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound pizza dough
- ¾ cup alfredo sauce divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Fresh lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Preheat to oven to 425 degrees.
- Combine the spinach, parsley, onion, garlic, feta and dill in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and stir to mix well. Season with pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Spread the pizza dough out on a pan. Top with ½ cup of the alfredo sauce and spread out leaving a small border around the edge. Top with the spinach mixture followed by the mozzarella cheese. Next drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup of alfredo sauce.
- Cook the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is beginning to brown. Serve warm topped with lemon juice if desired.
Creamy Spinach Pizza