High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
If you’re craving a delicious twist on a classic favorite, this High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the fresh, vibrant flavors of tender spinach and savory artichokes, combined with creamy cheeses all perfectly balanced on a wholesome whole wheat crust. It’s a pizza that not only satisfies your comfort food desires but also packs in a serious protein punch, making it as nourishing as it is comforting. Whether you’re making dinner for family or impressing friends at your next get-together, this recipe delivers a warm, hearty bite everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and nutrition that make this pizza so irresistible.
- Whole wheat pizza dough: Offers a nutty flavor with extra fiber and nutrients, creating a sturdy and wholesome base for the toppings.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a burst of green freshness and a good dose of vitamins, while wilting down beautifully on the pizza.
- Marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Bring a tangy, tender bite that complements the creaminess of the cheeses.
- Low-fat cream cheese, softened: Provides a luscious and rich texture without too many calories, binding the toppings together.
- Part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded: Gives the perfect melt and stringy consistency with less fat for a lighter pizza experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles of this add a sharp, salty punch that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Dried oregano: Introduces an aromatic, earthy note that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean ingredients.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the savory elements.
How to Make High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature—475°F (245°C) is perfect to achieve a crispy golden crust. While the oven heats up, roll out your whole wheat pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a 12-inch diameter, which gives you a nice thin base that crisps up well yet still holds all the toppings.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Artichokes
In a medium skillet over medium heat, toss in your chopped fresh spinach and marinated artichoke hearts. Sauté until the spinach has wilted and the artichokes are slightly warmed through. This quick cooking step intensifies their flavors and prevents excess moisture from sogging up your pizza crust later.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Base
Grab a bowl and combine the softened low-fat cream cheese with garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper, and half of your shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy—this mixture will be the luscious layer that holds your toppings in place and adds richness.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover the surface right up to the edges. Next, distribute the sautéed spinach and artichoke mixture evenly on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan, scattering dried oregano across the pizza for that delightful herbal note.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese bubbles and melts into a golden, gooey masterpiece. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to settle.
How to Serve High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a finishing touch can elevate your pizza to the next level. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes provide both visual appeal and a flavor boost. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest can brighten the whole dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy cucumber and tomato mix. If you want to keep things cozy, a warm bowl of tomato basil soup complements the cheesy pizza flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pizza as a part of a shareable platter that includes small bowls of olives, roasted red peppers, or nuts to snack on. Cutting the pizza into smaller appetizer-sized squares makes it great for parties. You can even top slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of homemade pesto for added protein and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your leftover pizza to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap. Properly stored, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining good texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep the pizza longer, you can freeze it. Wrap slices individually with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can take out just what you need. Frozen pizza slices stay delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, pop your pizza slice in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and melty without making the pizza soggy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust chewy.
FAQs
Can I use regular pizza dough instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! While whole wheat dough adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, regular dough works just fine and will give you a softer, classic pizza texture. Just roll it out to the same size and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly since it uses no meat products and relies on cheeses and vegetables for protein and taste.
How do I increase the protein content even more?
Great question! To boost protein further, consider adding cooked grilled chicken, turkey, or even a sprinkle of hemp seeds or nutritional yeast on top. You can also opt for a higher-protein cheese like part-skim ricotta in place of cream cheese.
Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the sautéed spinach and artichokes, as well as the cheese mixture, in advance makes assembling your pizza a breeze. Keep each component refrigerated separately for up to a day before baking.
What’s the best way to roll out whole wheat dough?
Use a lightly floured surface and a rolling pin, gently pressing and rolling from the center outward to achieve an even 12-inch circle. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes and try again to ease elasticity.
Final Thoughts
Making this High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, cheesy hug that’s also packed with nutrients to keep you fueled. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, striking the perfect balance between comfort and wholesome goodness. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it just might become one of your all-time favorites! Happy baking and savor every bite.
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High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza combines the goodness of whole wheat crust with nutrient-packed spinach and marinated artichokes. Enhanced with low-fat cream cheese, part-skim mozzarella, and Parmesan, this pizza is a healthier twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 whole wheat pizza dough (12 oz)
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 4 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crisp pizza crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the whole wheat pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter, shaping it into an even circle.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped spinach and artichokes until the spinach is wilted and the artichokes are warmed through, enhancing their flavor.
- Make Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, blend the softened low-fat cream cheese with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until you get a smooth and creamy spread.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then top with the sautéed spinach and artichokes, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle dried oregano over the top for an herby finish.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor and better texture.
- Marinated artichoke hearts add tanginess; drain them well to avoid soggy crust.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
