Description
This easy and delicious sheet pan pizza features a thick, chewy crust with crispy edges and is topped with a flavorful blend of fresh spinach, garlic, tomatoes, and three types of cheese. Perfect for a family pizza night, it's a simple yet satisfying homemade pizza cooked on a sheet pan for convenience and great results.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 recipe Pizza Dough or 1 to 1½ pounds store-bought dough, at room temperature
- Cornmeal, for stretching the dough
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- Sea salt, to taste
- ⅔ cup homemade pizza sauce or store-bought
- ¾ cup grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 2 ounces)
- ¾ cup grated provolone cheese (about 2 ounces) or more mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring dough to room temperature: If using refrigerated pizza dough, let it sit on the counter for at least 1 hour to come to room temperature to ensure it stretches easily.
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Dust a 13x9 inch quarter sheet pan or jelly roll pan with cornmeal to prevent sticking and for a crispy bottom crust.
- Stretch the dough: Stretch the pizza dough evenly to fit the pan, pressing it firmly into the corners to create the base of your pizza.
- Sauté spinach and garlic: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic, fresh spinach, and a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the spinach is just wilted but still bright green.
- Assemble pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the sauce and toward the edges. Distribute the sautéed spinach and garlic evenly on top, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese. Arrange cherry tomato halves on the pizza, cut side up, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown, cooked through, and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven and let the pizza cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Allowing dough to come to room temperature makes it easier to stretch and prevents tearing.
- Using cornmeal on the baking sheet helps create a crispy crust and prevents sticking.
- Sautéing spinach mellows its flavor and reduces moisture, preventing a soggy pizza.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
- Letting the pizza cool slightly before slicing helps the cheese set for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American