Mushroom Spinach White Pizza combines the richness of creamy ricotta with the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms and spinach, all on a crispy pizza crust. This Italian-inspired vegetarian pizza is perfect for a quick, delicious meal, and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes. With its creamy, savory flavor profile, it’s a great choice for both pizza lovers and those seeking a lighter alternative to traditional pizza.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mushroom Spinach White Pizza is a delightful twist on classic pizza with no tomato sauce, letting the creamy ricotta, fresh mushrooms, and spinach shine. The combination of earthy mushrooms, wilted spinach, and rich ricotta makes every bite creamy and satisfying. The addition of mozzarella and optional red pepper flakes adds a little melt and heat, making this pizza a savory, comforting dish. Plus, it’s quick to make—perfect for a weeknight meal or when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1.5 lb of pizza dough (or half of either this recipe or this pizza dough recipe by hand), divided in half
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (plus 2-3 tablespoons, optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 package button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2-3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Cook the Mushrooms: Heat a medium-sized non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes, allowing the water from the mushrooms to evaporate. Once the mushrooms start to brown, add butter and dried thyme. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Wilt the Spinach: In the same skillet, add oil and spinach leaves. Sprinkle with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the spinach is wilted, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon dried basil.
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough in half. Flour your working surface and stretch each dough ball into a flat pizza crust.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each of the stretched pizza doughs. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Sprinkle each pizza with ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 large pizzas (approximately 4 servings per pizza)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free ricotta cheese and vegan mozzarella to make this pizza vegan-friendly.
- Other Vegetables: Add roasted garlic, artichokes, or bell peppers for more vegetable toppings.
- Extra Creamy: For an even creamier pizza, add dollops of extra ricotta on top before baking.
- Cheese Swap: You can substitute mozzarella with fontina, provolone, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
While the pizza is best fresh, you can prep the dough, ricotta mixture, and toppings in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready, assemble and bake the pizza.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Can I use a store-bought pizza crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a store-bought pizza crust will save you some effort while still giving you a delicious result.
Can I add other cheeses to the pizza?
Yes, adding Parmesan, goat cheese, or Gruyère can enhance the flavor and give it a more complex taste.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also check the underside of the crust to ensure it’s crispy.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for a different texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pizza (before adding the mozzarella) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is this pizza gluten-free?
To make this pizza gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure your ricotta and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
Yes, you can add grilled chicken, sausage, or bacon for a non-vegetarian version of the pizza.
Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, feel free to use whole wheat pizza dough, cauliflower crust, or any dough of your choice for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Conclusion
Mushroom Spinach White Pizza is the perfect combination of creamy ricotta, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all baked on a golden, crispy crust. This quick and easy pizza comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Whether you like it spicy with red pepper flakes or prefer it milder, this pizza is sure to satisfy all your cravings for a flavorful, vegetarian meal.
Print
Mushroom Spinach White Pizza
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 large pizzas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mushroom Spinach White Pizza combines creamy ricotta cheese with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a rich and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy vegetarian pizza is perfect for a quick dinner or weekend meal. The perfect Italian-inspired comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
1.5 lb pizza dough of your choice (or half of the pizza dough recipe by hand or with a stand mixer)
For the Ricotta Base:
1 cup ricotta cheese (plus 2–3 tablespoons optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
For the Toppings:
1 package button mushrooms (sliced)
1 teaspoon butter
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
2–3 cups baby spinach leaves
1 teaspoon oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Cook the Mushrooms:
In a medium-sized non-stick skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook on high heat for a couple of minutes. The mushrooms will release water, which will evaporate as they cook.
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the butter and dried thyme. Stir frequently and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Spinach:
In the same skillet, add the oil and spinach leaves. Sprinkle with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Cook until the spinach is wilted (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Ricotta Base:
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of dried basil. Set aside.
Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Divide the pizza dough into two portions. Flour the working surface and stretch the dough out into flat rounds, creating two pizza bases.
Assemble the Pizzas:
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly and thinly over each pizza dough.
Top each pizza with the cooked mushrooms and spinach mixture.
Add ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese to each pizza.
If you like spicy pizza, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. If not, skip this step.
Finish by sprinkling freshly ground black pepper on top.
Bake:
Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Red pepper flakes are optional. Skip them if you don’t enjoy spicy food.
For extra creaminess, you can add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the pizza before baking.
Additional toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are great options for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
