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
- Activate yeast in warm water, letting it foam for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper fermentation.
- Mix bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture.
- Pour activated yeast and olive oil into the flour well, combining ingredients until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and springy.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually adding milk while continuously stirring.
- Simmer white sauce for 5-7 minutes until thickened, seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Mince garlic and roughly chop fresh spinach leaves.
- Punch down risen dough and roll out on a pizza stone or baking sheet to desired thickness.
- Spread white sauce evenly across pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Layer caramelized onions, minced garlic, and spinach across the sauced surface.
- Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables.
- Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is slightly melted.
- 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