Sbarro's Spinach and Ricotta Pizza (Copycat Recipe)

This delightful Spinach and Ricotta Pizza captures the essence of Sbarro's classic offering. With a crispy crust, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, this pizza is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The rich cheese complements the earthy spinach, creating a satisfying dish that is both comforting and delicious. Ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix well until combined.
5. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Top with the sautéed spinach mixture and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.