Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce Recipe

Savory Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delectable caramelized onion feta spinach pizza with white sauce brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Slow-cooked onions melt into golden sweetness, creating layers of rich flavor.

Creamy feta cheese adds tangy depth alongside tender spinach leaves.

Silky white sauce binds these incredible ingredients into a harmonious masterpiece.

Mediterranean influences shine through every carefully chosen component of this irresistible dish.

Crisp pizza crust provides the perfect canvas for these sophisticated flavors.

Dive into this sensational recipe that promises to delight your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Why Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza Is A Flavor Bomb

  • Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality pizza with professional-level techniques like caramelizing onions and creating a creamy white sauce.
  • Master Flavor Layers: Combine sweet caramelized onions, tangy feta, earthy spinach, and rich white sauce for a complex taste profile that delights every bite.
  • Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding personal favorite toppings to make this pizza uniquely yours.
  • Impress Without Stress: Follow straightforward steps to produce a stunning homemade pizza that looks and tastes like it came from a sophisticated pizzeria.

What You’ll Need For Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

Pizza Dough Base:
  • Bread Flour: A high-protein flour that creates a strong and elastic pizza crust structure.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor and helps control yeast fermentation in the dough.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Provides the necessary fermentation to help the dough rise and develop texture.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a soft, smooth pizza dough.
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough ingredients together.
Sauce and Flavoring:
  • Butter: Creates a smooth base for the white sauce and adds rich, creamy flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the white sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy white sauce.
  • Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy herb flavor to the white sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Seasons the white sauce to enhance overall taste.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Onions: Caramelized to bring out a sweet and deep flavor profile for the pizza.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic element to the pizza toppings.
  • Fresh Spinach: Provides a fresh, green, and nutritious layer to the pizza.
  • Feta Cheese: Offers a tangy and creamy cheese topping with a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.

How To Make Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

Step 1: Awaken Yeast

Grab your warm water and sprinkle yeast, letting it bubble and activate for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt, creating a cozy center well for your yeast mixture. Pour in the activated yeast and olive oil, blending ingredients until a soft, stretchy dough emerges.

Step 3: Knead and Rest Dough

Work the dough on a flour-dusted surface, kneading energetically for 8-10 minutes until smooth and bouncy. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, drape with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Caramelize Onion Magic

Slice onions into delicate rings and transform them in a skillet over gentle heat. Stir occasionally for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden and develop a rich, sweet complexity.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy White Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a silky roux. Gradually stream in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with:
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Dried thyme

Simmer for 5-7 minutes until luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Prepare Pizza Toppings

Finely mince garlic and roughly chop fresh spinach leaves.

Step 7: Shape Pizza Canvas

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a pizza stone or baking sheet to your preferred thickness.

Step 8: Build Flavor Layers

Spread white sauce across the dough, leaving a small border for a crispy crust. Distribute:
  • Caramelized onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Spinach leaves

Generously crumble feta cheese over the vegetables.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide pizza into a preheated 450°F oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese slightly melts.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven, allow a brief 2-3 minute cooling, slice, and savor immediately.

Tips That Help Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

  • Manage Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast growth and to prevent killing the microorganisms.
  • Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by stretching and folding dough during kneading, creating a more elastic and chewy pizza crust.
  • Master Caramelization: Cook onions slowly on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve deep, sweet golden color.
  • Enhance White Sauce: Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce with rich flavor.
  • Balance Toppings Strategically: Layer ingredients evenly to ensure each slice has a perfect combination of caramelized onions, spinach, and feta cheese.

Fun Variations On Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace feta with goat cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired pizza experience.
  • Protein Power: Top the pizza with grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits to enhance protein content and add savory depth.
  • Veggie Volcano: Incorporate roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and sliced mushrooms for a robust vegetable-packed version of the original recipe.
  • Spicy Scholar: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and add sliced jalapeños to introduce a bold, fiery kick to the creamy white sauce base.

Perfect Pairings For Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the pizza's creamy white sauce and tangy feta, cutting through the rich caramelized onion flavors.
  • Match Herbal Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pizza's richness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that enhances the spinach and feta notes.
  • Serve Rustic Red Blend: Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône or Sangiovese, which provides subtle earthiness that harmonizes with the caramelized onions and roasted garlic undertones.

Best Storage Tips For Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

  • Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled pizza slices on a baking sheet, freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
  • Revive cold pizza by using an oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 375°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy crust and melted cheese texture.

FAQs On Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza

  • What type of flour works best for this pizza dough?

Bread flour is recommended because it has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier, more structured pizza crust with better texture and rise.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance. After kneading, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

  • How do I know when my caramelized onions are done?

Caramelized onions are ready when they turn a deep golden brown color and have a sweet, soft texture. This typically takes 25-30 minutes of slow cooking over medium-low heat.

  • Is it necessary to use fresh spinach, or can I substitute frozen?

Fresh spinach is preferred for better flavor and texture.

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Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce Recipe

Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Culinary magic happens when Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce emerges from your kitchen, blending Mediterranean flavors into a delightful meal. Rich, creamy white sauce and sweet caramelized onions create a perfect harmony that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water

Toppings:

  • 2 large onions
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic

White Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast in warm water, letting it foam for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper fermentation.
  2. Mix bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture.
  3. Pour activated yeast and olive oil into the flour well, combining ingredients until a soft, elastic dough forms.
  4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and springy.
  5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  6. Slice onions into thin, uniform rings and caramelize in a skillet over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and sweet.
  7. Prepare white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually adding milk while continuously stirring.
  8. Simmer white sauce for 5-7 minutes until thickened, seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
  9. Mince garlic and roughly chop fresh spinach leaves.
  10. Punch down risen dough and roll out on a pizza stone or baking sheet to desired thickness.
  11. Spread white sauce evenly across pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  12. Layer caramelized onions, minced garlic, and spinach across the sauced surface.
  13. Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables.
  14. Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is slightly melted.
  15. Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Matters: Use water between 100-110°F to guarantee perfect yeast fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
  • Dough Elasticity Tip: Knead consistently to develop gluten, creating a stretchy, tender pizza crust with excellent texture.
  • Caramelization Technique: Low and slow cooking is crucial for transforming onions into sweet, deeply golden strands without burning.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use vegan feta and plant-based milk for dairy-free alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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