Pizza Ricotta And Spinach
A creamy spinach and ricotta pizza with mushrooms, green pepper, and ham, baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a savory brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ricotta ⓘ
- 10 oz. cooked, chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 cup Mozzarella ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. onion or garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced and sautéed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sautéed ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, diced and sautéed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped ham (optional) ⓘ
- 2 tsp. butter or oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spinach and drain it completely.
- Combine ricotta, cooked spinach, mozzarella, beaten eggs, oil, onion or garlic salt, salt, pepper, sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, green pepper, and chopped ham if using.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled, deep pie plate.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until the knife inserted comes out clean.
- Top with oil or butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, pre-packaged frozen spinach can be used, but ensure it's well-drained. You can also experiment with other vegetables like artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. For a twist, try incorporating some herbs like basil or oregano, reminiscent of flavors in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a light pasta dish like Skipper'S Linguine. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate the flavors when serving. Enjoy it warm, and feel free to garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Ricotta And Spinach contains roughly 1087 calories, with 13g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1012mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of cooked spinach?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Simply sauté the fresh spinach in a pan until wilted, then drain and chop it before adding to the ricotta mixture. This will enhance the flavor and keep the dish vibrant.
What can I substitute for mozzarella if I can't find it?
If mozzarella is unavailable, you can substitute with provolone or even a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well for the best texture.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this pizza ricotta and spinach can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).