Smoked Mozzarella and Spinach Pizza
A rustic, gourmet-style pizza layered with sweet caramelized onions, garlicky spinach, creamy ricotta, and bold smoked mozzarella—all on a golden, homemade crust.
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
-
Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes dough rising)
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Dough (Crust):
-
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
-
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
-
1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
Extra flour (for kneading)
-
Coarse cornmeal or more flour (for dusting the baking sheet)
For the Toppings:
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced (Vidalia or yellow onion works best)
-
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
12 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried
-
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-
8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
-
½ cup ricotta cheese (full-fat recommended)
-
Crushed red pepper flakes, for heat (optional)
-
Fresh herbs or microgreens, for garnish (like basil, arugula, or parsley)
-
Finely grated parmesan cheese, for finishing
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
-
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, pour 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle 3 tsp yeast over the water and add 1 tbsp honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy and active.
-
Stir in 1 tbsp olive oil, then gradually add the 2½ cups flour and 1 tsp salt.
-
Mix until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if needed, but don’t overdo it—slightly tacky dough is ideal.
-
Transfer the dough to a clean bowl lightly greased with olive oil. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Tip: Letting it rise near a preheating oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on creates the perfect warm environment.
2. Prepare the Veggie Filling
-
While the dough rises, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
-
Add the thinly sliced sweet onion, a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden brown (caramelized).
-
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
-
Add the fresh spinach to the pan in batches, letting it wilt before adding more. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice once all spinach is added. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the spinach is fully wilted and any moisture has evaporated (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza
-
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
-
Lightly dust a 10×15-inch baking sheet (or pizza pan) with flour or coarse cornmeal to prevent sticking.
-
Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle or circle that fits your pan. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
-
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil, especially around the edges.
-
Spread the sautéed onion and spinach mixture evenly over the crust.
-
Sprinkle the top with 8 oz of grated smoked mozzarella.
-
Dollop ½ cup ricotta cheese across the pizza in small spoonfuls.
4. Bake the Pizza
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
-
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. Finish and Serve
-
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, and fresh herbs or microgreens.
-
Slice and serve hot!
Optional Additions: Add sliced roasted red peppers, artichokes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Notes & Tips
-
Smoked mozzarella adds a deep, campfire-like flavor—don’t skip it! If you can’t find it, use regular mozzarella + a tiny bit of smoked gouda.
-
Ricotta cheese brings a soft, creamy contrast to the sharp, smoky cheese.
-
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 5–7 minutes before adding the toppings.
-
If you love garlic, toss a few roasted garlic cloves on top before baking.