Turkey & Spinach Pizza
Highlighted under: World Cuisine
I love whipping up this Turkey & Spinach Pizza whenever I want a quick yet satisfying meal. It's a delightful combination of lean turkey, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese, all on a crispy crust. Making this pizza from scratch is surprisingly simple, allowing me to customize the toppings to my liking. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza never disappoints!
When I first made this Turkey & Spinach Pizza, I was skeptical about using turkey instead of traditional pepperoni. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors melded together. The turkey adds a nice, savory depth, while the spinach brings freshness that lightens up each bite.
I recommend using a store-bought crust for convenience, but if you're feeling adventurous, homemade dough is always a hit! One tip I've found is to sauté the spinach slightly before adding it to the pizza to enhance its flavor and prevent excess moisture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lean turkey provides a nutritious alternative to traditional pizza meats
- Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and essential nutrients
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable toppings make it fun for everyone
Making the Most of Your Ingredients
The key to a standout Turkey & Spinach Pizza is using fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach not only enhances the pizza's color but also contributes to its nutritional profile. When selecting spinach, look for vibrant, dark green leaves that are crisp and free from wilting. If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach can be a substitute; just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before use to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
Using pre-cooked turkey saves time, but don't forget to season it lightly! Adding a pinch of salt and pepper or even herbs like oregano can elevate the flavor profile significantly. When pulling together leftover turkey, ensure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly across the pizza, maximizing both flavor and texture in each bite.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Pizza
A preheated oven is essential for achieving a crispy crust; make sure to let it reach the full 425°F (220°C) before placing your pizza inside. If you have a pizza stone, pre-heating it in the oven will help mimic a traditional pizza oven, leading to a wonderfully crispy base. Alternatively, you can bake on a perforated pizza pan which allows for better airflow and browning underneath the crust.
Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Start checking after 15 minutes; the pizza is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust should have slightly browned edges. If the edges are browning too quickly while the cheese isn’t yet melted, consider rotating the pizza halfway through baking or using a lower rack.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious pizza:
Pizza Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own Turkey & Spinach Pizza:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your pizza cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
Sauté the Spinach
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for about 2 minutes until it wilts. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pizza
Spread pizza sauce over the crust, then distribute the shredded turkey evenly. Layer the sautéed spinach on top and finally sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over everything.
Bake the Pizza
Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot!
Your Turkey & Spinach Pizza is ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover pizza, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. To maintain the crust's crispiness when reheating, use an oven instead of a microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the slices for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps revive the texture, giving you that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
For longer storage, consider freezing the assembled uncooked pizza. Layer the sauce, turkey, spinach, and cheese, then wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Flavor Variations and Customizations
One of the delightful things about this Turkey & Spinach Pizza is its versatility. You can easily swap out the mozzarella cheese for a dairy-free alternative if you're following a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant. Additionally, adding a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can introduce a tangy flavor that pairs well with the spinach and turkey.
Feel free to experiment with additional toppings too! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives could add different textures and flavors. If you want a bit of a kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes before baking. Customizing this pizza allows everyone at the table to create their perfect slice.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a gluten-free pizza crust?
Absolutely! Just substitute the regular crust with your favorite gluten-free option.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I use pre-cooked turkey?
Yes, using pre-cooked turkey can save time. Just shred it and use it directly on the pizza.
→ What can I add to make it spicier?
Consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before baking for an extra kick!
Turkey & Spinach Pizza
I love whipping up this Turkey & Spinach Pizza whenever I want a quick yet satisfying meal. It's a delightful combination of lean turkey, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese, all on a crispy crust. Making this pizza from scratch is surprisingly simple, allowing me to customize the toppings to my liking. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza never disappoints!
What You'll Need
Pizza Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your pizza cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for about 2 minutes until it wilts. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread pizza sauce over the crust, then distribute the shredded turkey evenly. Layer the sautéed spinach on top and finally sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over everything.
Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g