Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Homemade pizza just hits differently. It used to be that you’d get great pizza to enjoy at home only with delivery or carryout, but no more. Thanks to handy pizza stones and portable pizza ovens, you can create high-quality pizza at home that’s on par with the best pizzerias in town. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, this spinach artichoke pizza is a great place to start.

If you’re intimidated by making a yeast dough from scratch, this pizza recipe skips it altogether. Instead, beer and baking powder leaven a whole wheat crust. Beer makes a terrific (and flavorful) leavening agent due to its yeast content (hello, honey beer bread). So, technically, this dough is made with yeast, but in an easier, more approachable way. Mix the ingredients, knead the dough a few times, and shape it into a 12-inch crust. It really couldn’t be easier.

Drizzled with olive oil and garlic, this pie features a blend of Italian cheese, fresh baby spinach, artichokes and tomatoes. Think spinach and artichoke dip in pizza form. Pro tip: Add this recipe to your list of favorite specialty pizza ideas because it’s guaranteed to be a smash hit!

Spinach Artichoke Pizza Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour imparts a lovely nutty flavor to the crust and boosts the nutritional value with extra fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• Baking powder: Pizza dough made with baking powder has a softer, more tender texture than traditional dough made with yeast, which typically has a heartier, chewier texture.
• Salt: Salt is essential for flavoring the homemade pizza dough.
• Beer: Crusts made with baking powder rather than yeast tend to be less flavorful since they don’t develop the yeasty flavor achieved through fermentation. Enter beer. Not only does it help with the rise, but it also injects the pizza dough with flavor.
• Dried herbs: A trio of basil, oregano and parsley contributes even more pizzeria flavor to the simple pizza dough.
• Olive oil: Since this artichoke spinach pizza relies on olive oil as its sauce, splurge on a drizzle of the best olive oil you can buy.
• Garlic: Minced garlic offers an aromatic base for your pizza toppings.
• Italian cheese blend: To keep things quick and easy, use a shredded blend of Italian cheeses. Or, grate your own cheese from the block; mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, fontina and/or provolone make a winning combination.
• Baby spinach: Tender greens, like baby spinach, can burn easily when exposed to the high heat used to cook a pizza. Tuck the spinach under the cheese to help shield it from the oven’s direct heat.
• Artichoke hearts: For this spinach and artichoke pizza recipe, opt for artichoke hearts packed in water rather than oil.
• Tomatoes: A few handfuls of chopped fresh tomatoes add color and a burst of juicy, summertime flavor.
• Basil: For a flourish of flavor, garnish your pizza with chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dough

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk 1-1/2 cups flour, baking powder, salt and dried herbs until blended. Add the beer, stirring just until moistened.

Step 2: Knead, shape and parbake

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead gently six to eight times, adding more flour if needed.

Press the dough to fit a greased 12-inch pizza pan, pinching the edge to form a rim. Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about eight minutes.

Step 3: Add the toppings

Mix the oil with the garlic and evenly spread it over the crust. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheese and then layer with the spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes. Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese gets nice and melty, 8 to 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, slice and serve.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza Variations

• Add more veggies: You can load this homemade pizza with thinly sliced zucchini, mushrooms, kalamata olives, red bell peppers, eggplant or onions.
• Include a protein: Add a handful of chopped grilled chicken breast or crumbled Italian sausage to the top of this spinach and artichoke pizza for a hearty twist.
• Make it saucy: If you are committed to the sauce life, add a spoonful of your favorite pizza sauce to the pizza. A few spoonfuls of store-bought Alfredo sauce or homemade pesto would also taste divine.

How to Store Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Store leftover spinach artichoke pizza in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze spinach artichoke pizza?

Yes! If you would like to extend the storage of your artichoke spinach pizza, freeze it for later. For compact storage, we recommend letting the pizza cool completely, then storing individual slices in a freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed below.

How do you reheat pizza?

There are several tried-and-true methods for reheating pizza so it is as good as day one. Our favorite way to heat individual slices is on the stovetop in a hot skillet. Warm each slice over medium heat, covered with a lid, until the cheese melts. Then uncover and warm the slice until the crust crisps back up and the pizza is heated.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza Tips

What else can you use for a spinach artichoke pizza crust?

While we implore you to try the homemade whole wheat pizza dough with this spinach artichoke pizza recipe, you can swap in another pizza crust. In a hurry? Grab one of the best premade pizza crusts or use packaged naan or flatbread for a delicious on-demand pizza crust.

What is the best beer to use for the spinach artichoke pizza crust?

When baking or cooking with beer, opt for a mild lager, pilsner or wheat beer with a malty flavor. Avoid dark beers or IPAs that may have a bitter or hoppy taste, as they will give the dough a less favorable taste.

What can you serve with spinach artichoke pizza?

Make it a pizza party! Serve this spinach and artichoke pizza with another homemade pizza recipe, and round things out with famous pizza partners such as spicy Buffalo chicken wings, homemade breadsticks or a fresh green salad.