There's something magical about making your own spinach and feta pizza recipe at home. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and perfectly crispy crust creates a Mediterranean masterpiece that beats any takeout option. I've been perfecting this spinach and feta pizza recipe for years, and it's become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something both healthy and satisfying.
What makes this spinach and feta pizza recipe special is its simplicity and incredible flavor balance. You don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques; just fresh spinach, quality feta cheese, and a few pantry staples. This spinach and feta pizza recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time, making it perfect for busy families who want homemade goodness without the hassle.
Why This Mediterranean Pizza Recipe Stands Out
This spinach and feta pizza recipe has roots in Greek cuisine, where these two ingredients have been paired for centuries. The earthy flavor of fresh spinach perfectly complements the tangy, salty notes of crumbled feta cheese, creating a harmony that's both nutritious and delicious. What sets this spinach and feta pizza recipe apart from others is the use of garlic olive oil base instead of traditional tomato sauce, allowing the Mediterranean flavors to truly shine.
The beauty of this spinach and feta pizza recipe lies in its versatility and health benefits. Spinach provides iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, while feta cheese adds protein and calcium. This spinach and feta pizza recipe works perfectly as a light dinner, party appetizer, or even a sophisticated lunch option. The whole wheat crust option makes it even more nutritious, while the thin crust variation keeps it light and crispy.
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Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables:
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Red onion
- Garlic cloves
- Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Cheese and Dairy:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Butter
Dough and Base:
- Pizza dough
- Garlic olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh spinach leaves, removing any tough stems.
- Slice the red onion into thin rings and mince the garlic cloves.
- Crumble the feta cheese if not already crumbled, and have all toppings ready.
Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the entire surface with garlic olive oil, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Add Toppings and Cheese
- Distribute the fresh spinach evenly across the pizza, leaving some space between leaves.
- Sprinkle the sliced red onion and minced garlic over the spinach.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese, followed by the mozzarella for optimal melting.
- Finish with sun-dried tomatoes and black olives if using.
Bake to Perfection
- Slice and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Get everything chopped, crumbled, and prepped while the oven heats up.
- Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll and season your dough with garlic oil and herbs.
- Step 3: Add Toppings and Cheese
Layer your toppings with love — balance the feta and spinach evenly.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake till bubbly and golden — let cool slightly before slicing.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Creating the perfect spinach and feta pizza recipe requires attention to detail and a few professional tricks. Here are essential tips to elevate your pizza game:
Spinach Preparation Secrets
- Always use fresh spinach when possible, as it provides better texture and flavor than frozen
- Pat spinach completely dry with paper towels to prevent soggy crust
- Don't overcrowd the spinach; it will wilt during baking and create more coverage than expected
Cheese Application Techniques
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor; Greek or Bulgarian varieties work exceptionally well
- Mix feta with a small amount of olive oil to help it distribute more evenly
- Add mozzarella on top of feta to create a perfect cheese pull and prevent feta from drying out
Dough and Baking Mastery
- Let pizza dough come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling
- Pre-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings for extra crispiness
- Use a pizza stone or cast iron skillet for superior crust texture and heat distribution
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Transform your basic spinach and feta pizza recipe into exciting new creations with these tested variations and substitutions.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free Options Replace regular pizza dough with cauliflower crust, almond flour dough, or store-bought gluten-free alternatives. These substitutions maintain the Mediterranean flavors while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Dairy-Free Alternatives Substitute feta with cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan options. Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives that melt well, such as brands made from coconut or almond milk.
Flavor Variations
- Greek-Style Enhancement Add Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of dried mint for an authentic Greek pizza experience. Include crumbled goat cheese alongside feta for extra richness.
- Protein Additions Incorporate grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or prosciutto for a heartier meal. Pine nuts or walnuts add protein and crunch while complementing the Mediterranean theme.
- Sauce Alternatives Try pesto base instead of garlic olive oil, or use a light white sauce made with Greek yogurt and herbs. Some prefer a thin layer of ricotta mixed with herbs as the base for this spinach and feta pizza recipe.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential tools make your spinach and feta pizza recipe preparation smoother and results more professional.
- Pizza Stone or Steel: Creates superior crust texture and even heat distribution
- Large Mixing Bowls: For preparing toppings and mixing ingredients efficiently
- Pizza Peel or Large Spatula: Safely transfers pizza to and from the oven
- Rolling Pin: Ensures even dough thickness and proper crust development
- Sharp Chef's Knife: For precise vegetable preparation and clean pizza slicing
- Salad Spinner: Removes excess moisture from spinach leaves effectively
- Cast Iron Skillet: Alternative to pizza stone for crispy, well-cooked crust
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pizza in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Separate slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crust texture.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for freezer storage up to 2 months. Pre-baked pizza bases can be frozen separately for quick assembly later.
Reheating Methods
- Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy and cheese rubbery. This proper reheating maintains the integrity of your spinach and feta pizza recipe.well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The game-changing secret I learned from my Greek grandmother is to massage the fresh spinach with a pinch of salt and olive oil before adding it to the pizza. This simple technique removes excess moisture while intensifying the spinach flavor, preventing soggy crust issues that plague many spinach and feta pizza recipe attempts.
Another family secret involves creating small wells or pockets in the cheese layer before baking. These wells allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing the toppings from sliding off and ensuring even cooking throughout. This technique has transformed my spinach and feta pizza recipe from good to absolutely exceptional, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.
FAQ
Should you cook spinach before putting it on a pizza?
Fresh spinach doesn't need pre-cooking for this spinach and feta pizza recipe. The oven heat will wilt it perfectly during baking. However, if using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
What is on the spinach and feta pizza from Domino's?
Domino's version typically includes spinach, feta cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and sometimes onions on a white sauce base. Our homemade spinach and feta pizza recipe offers fresher ingredients and better flavor control.
Do you put feta cheese on pizza before or after cooking?
Add feta cheese before baking in your spinach and feta pizza recipe. The heat mellows its sharpness while maintaining its creamy texture. Adding it after cooking results in cold, hard cheese that doesn't integrate well.
Do spinach and feta go together?
Absolutely! Spinach and feta are classic Mediterranean partners. The mild, earthy spinach balances feta's tangy saltiness perfectly, making them ideal companions in any spinach and feta pizza recipe.
Perfect Meal Combinations
This spinach and feta pizza recipe pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The light, fresh flavors complement heartier options without overwhelming the palate. Consider serving alongside a Tuna Potato Bake Recipe for a satisfying dinner combination that offers both comfort and sophistication.
For special occasions or weekend gatherings, follow this spinach and feta pizza recipe with Seafood Enchiladas Recipe as the main course. The contrasting flavors; Mediterranean and Mexican; create an exciting international menu that showcases your culinary versatility. This spinach and feta pizza recipe serves as an excellent appetizer, preparing your guests' palates for the rich, spiced flavors of the enchiladas while maintaining the fresh
With love and happy baking
By Lisa Johnson 🍕
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Spinach and Feta Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pizza Stone/Steel For crisp crust
- 1 Rolling Pin For rolling out the dough
- 1 Large mixing bowl To prep toppings
- 1 Pizza Pan/Baking Tray If not using a stone
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For slicing vegetables
- 1 Salad spinner To dry spinach leaves
- 1 Spatula or Pizza Peel To transfer pizza
Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables & Toppings
- 4 cups fresh spinach Washed and dried
- 1 medium red onion Thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves Minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes Chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup black olives Sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts Optional
- fresh basil leaves For garnish
- balsamic glaze For drizzling (optional)
Cheese and Dairy
- 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter For garlic base
Dough and Seasoning
- 1 lb pizza dough Homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoon garlic olive oil For brushing dough
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and black pepper To taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C); prep spinach, onion, garlic, and toppings.
- Roll out dough, transfer to tray, brush with garlic olive oil, season it.
- Add spinach, onion, garlic, feta, mozzarella, and optional toppings.
- Bake 12–15 mins until golden, cool briefly, garnish, and slice to serve.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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