Stuffed Spinach Pizza
A savory stuffed spinach pizza featuring tender bread dough, flavorful Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw bread dough and let rise according to package directions. Roll 2/3 of the dough into an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Line the bottom and sides of a greased 9-inch cake pan with the rolled dough.
- Place chopped tomatoes and cooked, well-drained Italian sausage in the pan.
- Sprinkle with basil, oregano, and pepper.
- Combine Ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach, shredded Mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and salt; spread over the tomato and sausage mixture.
- Roll the remaining dough into a 9-inch circle.
- Place the rolled dough over the cheese mixture, sealing the edges by pinching.
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 25 minutes.
- Spread pizza sauce over the baked dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, you can use pre-made pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough. If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or bell peppers with the sausage. For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed spinach pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with marinara sauce or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup, like minestrone or tomato basil.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave a slice for about 1-2 minutes, but the crust may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Spinach Pizza contains roughly 179 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 cup of fresh spinach, which should be sautéed and then squeezed to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the ricotta cheese. This will help maintain the pizza's texture and prevent it from becoming watery.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky to roll out?
If your dough is sticky, try sprinkling a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough itself. Alternatively, you can lightly coat your rolling pin with flour as well. Make sure to work quickly and keep the dough chilled if possible to help maintain its structure.
Is it possible to make this pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed for a delicious, freshly baked meal.
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).