Italian Spinach Pizza

If you’re craving a pizza that’s packed with flavor, hearty, and still a little green, this Italian spinach pizza is exactly what you need. Imagine a golden, chewy crust topped with savory Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and spinach that’s perfectly seasoned. Every bite is a perfect mix of melty, cheesy goodness and fresh, vibrant greens, with a hint of herbs and spice to keep your taste buds dancing. Trust me, this is the kind of pizza that disappears fast at the table, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a casual pizza night with friends.

Recipe Origin

Italian spinach pizza is inspired by traditional Italian flavors, blending the richness of Italian sausage with the earthy freshness of spinach and the classic combination of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe brings the best of both worlds: comforting pizza with a veggie boost. It’s a fun way to enjoy pizza night while sneaking in some greens without sacrificing flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for the dough, a skillet or frying pan to cook the sausage, a rolling pin or hands for shaping the dough, a baking sheet or pizza stone, a cutting board, and a knife for slicing tomatoes. You’ll also want a spoon or spatula for spreading the spinach mixture and a grater if you need to shred the cheeses.

Why You’ll Love Italian Spinach Pizza

This pizza isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience full of flavor and texture.

Versatile: Perfect for pizza night, casual dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. You can easily swap out toppings to suit your family’s preferences.

Comforting: The combination of melted cheese, savory sausage, and soft spinach on a warm, homemade crust is pure comfort in every bite.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. No fancy toppings required for big flavor.

Quick and Easy: With pre-made dough and frozen spinach, this pizza comes together quickly while still feeling homemade.

Customizable: Add extra veggies, switch cheeses, or try a different protein like chicken or pepperoni. You can tailor it to your taste without changing the soul of the recipe.

Crowd-Pleasing: Adults and kids alike love cheesy, meaty pizza with just a touch of green. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Drain the spinach thoroughly so the pizza doesn’t get soggy. Cook the Italian sausage fully and crumble it for even distribution. Let the dough rest and rise slightly if needed for a soft, airy crust. Slice the cheese thinly or shred for easy melting. Garnish with fresh basil at the end to add freshness and aroma.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this Italian spinach pizza so delicious:

Frozen Bread Dough: The base of the pizza. Thawed, it’s easy to work with and makes a soft, chewy crust.

Hot Italian Sausage: Adds savory, slightly spicy flavor. Cooked and crumbled over the pizza, it gives richness and depth.

Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients, brush the crust, and add flavor.

Frozen Chopped Spinach: Adds nutrition, color, and subtle earthiness. Make sure it’s thawed and drained to avoid extra moisture.

Onion Powder, Garlic Powder with Parsley, Italian Seasoning: Blend of spices that adds depth and classic Italian flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the sausage, spinach, and cheeses.

Plum Tomatoes (Optional): Adds freshness, juiciness, and a pop of color.

Provolone Cheese: Provides creamy, mild flavor that melts beautifully.

Mozzarella Cheese: Classic gooey pizza cheese, shredded for easy melting.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor for that perfect finishing touch.

Basil and Extra Parmesan (For Garnish): Fresh herbs and cheese add color, aroma, and extra flavor right before serving.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Follow these steps to make a flavorful Italian spinach pizza:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven according to the dough instructions or to the recommended pizza-baking temperature.

Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks for even distribution.

Prepare the Spinach Mixture: In a bowl, mix the thawed and drained spinach with onion powder, garlic powder with parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning step ensures every bite is flavorful.

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or press the dough into a large rectangle or circle to fit your baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush lightly with olive oil.

Assemble the Pizza: Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the dough. Layer cooked sausage on top, followed by sliced or shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Arrange plum tomato slices if using. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check occasionally to prevent over-browning.

Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into pieces and serve warm. This pizza is perfect for a family meal, casual dinner with friends, or a fun pizza night at home.

Nutrition Facts

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How to Serve Italian Spinach Pizza

This pizza is flavorful enough to enjoy on its own but pairs well with:

Salads: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.

Roasted Vegetables: Adds texture, flavor, and extra nutrition to the meal.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any melted cheese or toppings that spill over.

Simple Sides: Serve with pickled vegetables, olives, or a light soup for a complete Italian-style meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare the dough and toppings in advance for quick assembly. Leftover pizza keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain a crisp crust and melty cheese.

Variations to Try

Swap hot Italian sausage for mild sausage or chicken for a different flavor profile. Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Use ricotta cheese in addition to provolone and mozzarella for a creamier texture. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Cook sausage and drain spinach ahead of time.
Adjust Cheese: Mix cheeses to taste for more or less gooeyness.
Crispy Crust: Brush olive oil on the edges to help it brown beautifully.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or oregano sprinkled after baking brightens the flavors.
Double Batch: Makes extra pizza for gatherings or meal prep.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A1: Yes, just sauté it lightly first to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
A2: Omit the sausage and add mushrooms, peppers, or other vegetables.

Q3: Can I freeze this pizza?
A3: Yes, assemble without baking, freeze, and bake when ready.

Q4: Can I make it on a pizza stone?
A4: Absolutely. Preheat the stone for a crispier crust.

Q5: Can I add other cheeses?
A5: Yes, fontina, cheddar, or gouda work well alongside provolone and mozzarella.

Q6: Can I use store-bought dough?
A6: Yes, any pre-made dough works fine for this recipe.

Q7: How long does it bake?
A7: Usually 20-25 minutes depending on your oven and thickness of the dough.

Q8: Can I make mini pizzas?
A8: Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions for personal-sized pizzas.

Q9: Can I make it spicier?
A9: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage or sprinkle on top before baking.

Q10: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A10: Yes, drain them well to avoid extra moisture on the pizza.

Conclusion

Italian spinach pizza is a fun, flavorful, and satisfying way to enjoy a homemade pizza night. With tender, savory sausage, melty cheeses, and seasoned spinach, every bite is a combination of rich, comforting, and slightly fresh flavors. Quick enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for friends or family, this pizza is a perfect blend of hearty and wholesome. Serve it with a salad, slice it up, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with everyone you love. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a pizza favorite in your kitchen.

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