Savory Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Delight

Crafting the Perfect Dough for a Crispy and Tender Crust

Savory Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Delight begins with creating the ideal base – a dough that strikes a flawless balance between crisp edges and a tender, airy crumb. Achieving this harmony means paying attention to hydration, kneading, and fermentation to develop flavor and texture in every bite.

Start with high-quality bread flour for a crisp crust, enriched with a touch of olive oil for softness and enhanced flavor reminiscent of Mediterranean bread traditions. Combining warm water and active dry yeast kickstarts fermentation, which is key for developing depth in the dough’s flavor and structure. Allowing the dough to rise slowly in a cool spot encourages a stronger gluten network and develops subtle nutty notes.

Choosing Authentic Ingredients to Elevate Your White Pizza Experience

Nothing complements the carefully crafted dough like a medley of fresh, authentic ingredients. For this white pizza, roasted garlic is the star, imbuing the pie with a mellow sweetness and complex aroma that only slow roasting can unlock. Pair it with vibrant baby spinach, which adds a bright, peppery contrast and tender texture.

Don’t skimp on the cheese selection: a blend of creamy ricotta for richness, sharp feta for tang, and shredded mozzarella for melty stretchiness brings every bite to life. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh oregano or thyme to echo the Greek inspiration.

Expert Tips for Baking and Serving the Ultimate Mediterranean Delight

Preheat your oven to the highest setting-ideally 500°F (260°C)-and use a pizza stone or steel to mimic wood-fired oven heat. This ensures a crispy bottom while keeping the crust tender and chewy. Spread the dough thin for maximum crispness, then load it with toppings sparingly to avoid sogginess.

Bake each pizza for 8-10 minutes, rotating halfway for even browning. Look for golden edges and bubbling cheese, with lightly toasted garlic pieces peeking through. Once out of the oven, let rest briefly before slicing; this allows the cheese to set without losing its luscious texture.

For serving, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a handful of pitted Kalamata olives to heighten the savory notes. Pair it with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water infused with cucumber for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for dough rising)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield

• Servings: 2 medium pizzas (4 servings total)

Difficulty Level

• Medium

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 ½ cups bread flour, sifted
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• ¾ cup warm water (100-110°F)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• For the Toppings:
• 6 large garlic cloves, roasted until soft and golden
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp dried oregano or fresh thyme
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Freshly cracked black pepper and lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Gradually add yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1-2 hours in a warm spot, doubling in size.
3. Roast the Garlic: While dough rises, roast garlic cloves in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and soft. Peel and puree garlic slightly with a fork to release flavor.
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Toppings: Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to 500°F at least 30 minutes before baking.
5. Shape the Dough: Punch down risen dough; divide into two equal parts. Stretch or roll each ball into a 10-inch round on a lightly floured surface for a thin crust.
6. Assemble the Pizza: Transfer dough rounds to parchment paper or pizza peel. Evenly spread dollops of ricotta and roasted garlic puree, then scatter baby spinach leaves. Sprinkle feta and mozzarella cheeses atop, and finish with oregano or thyme.
7. Bake: Slide pizza onto the preheated stone and bake 8-10 minutes until crust edges are golden and cheese is bubbling. Rotate halfway for even cooking.
8. Finish and Serve: Remove pizza from oven and drizzle with olive oil. Rest 2 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately for peak flavor.

Chef’s Notes

• For a gluten-free option, substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, adjusting hydration as needed.
• To deepen the flavor, ferment the dough overnight in the refrigerator for a slow, cold rise.
• If fresh spinach is unavailable, baby kale or arugula make excellent substitutes.
• Roasting garlic in advance and storing it refrigerated for up to one week helps streamline pizza prep.
• For an extra Mediterranean touch, sprinkle chopped Kalamata olives or toasted pine nuts before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Present your Savory Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza Delight on a rustic wooden board for an inviting look. Pair slices with a simple Greek salad drizzled with lemon-oregano dressing or a bowl of chilled tzatziki to complement the garlic and fresh herbs. Enhance experience with a crisp Assyrtiko white wine or sparkling mineral water infused with fresh mint.

For more Mediterranean-inspired pizza recipes, explore our Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza article. To deepen your knowledge on Greek cuisine’s rich herb usage, check out Encyclopaedia Britannica – Greek Cuisine.