There’s nothing quite like the mouth-watering blend of savory feta cheese and fresh spinach on a perfectly baked pizza crust. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a pizza-making newbie, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious spinach and feta pizza that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced



• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Making the Pizza Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil. Mix everything together until you have a sticky dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add more flour a tablespoon at a time.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Toppings

Step 6: Sauté Spinach

While the dough is rising, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Pizza

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into your desired shape and thickness. If you prefer a thicker crust, roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick; for a thinner crust, roll it out thinner.

Step 9: Add the Tomato Sauce

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 10: Add the Toppings

Evenly distribute the sautéed spinach over the tomato sauce. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top. Finish with a light sprinkle of oregano.

Baking the Pizza

Step 11: Bake the Pizza

Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade spinach and feta pizza!

FAQs

Q1: Can I Use Pre-Made Pizza Dough?

Yes, you can absolutely use pre-made pizza dough to save time. Just follow the package instructions for preparation. However, making your own dough allows you to control the ingredients and the texture of the crust, ensuring a fresher, personalized pizza.

Q2: Can I Use Frozen Spinach?

Frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove as much water as possible before sautéing. Excess moisture can make the pizza soggy.

Q3: Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise once, then punch it down and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q4: What Other Toppings Can I Add?

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Mushrooms, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers all complement the flavors of spinach and feta well. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or herbs.

Q5: How Can I Make the Crust Extra Crispy?

For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone. Additionally, you can roll the dough a bit thinner and bake it at a higher temperature for a shorter time.

Q6: Is There a Gluten-Free Option?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or a pre-made gluten-free pizza dough. The rest of the steps remain the same. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Q7: How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Enjoy making this delicious spinach and feta pizza and savor the blend of flavors with each bite. Happy cooking!

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