Creamy & Delicious Pizza

This Creamy & Delicious Pizza is my fresh take on a classic comfort food—with a soft, homemade crust and a rich, cheesy topping that’s anything but ordinary. Instead of the usual tomato sauce, I use a dreamy mix of cream cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta, then load it up with fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for pizza night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pizza because it’s a fun twist on tradition. The creamy cheese base is smooth and savory, the veggies add freshness, and the homemade crust is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. It’s great for vegetarians, easy to customize with your favorite toppings, and makes an impressive dish for guests or a relaxing night in.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Topping:

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. I begin by combining the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, I dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. I add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. I knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is rising, I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
5. In a medium bowl, I mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Once the dough has risen, I roll it out on a floured surface to my preferred thickness and shape. I transfer it to a greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
7. I spread the creamy cheese mixture over the dough, then top it with chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
8. I bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
9. I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including rising time.

Variations

• I sometimes pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings for an extra crisp base.
• When I want more protein, I add cooked chicken, pepperoni, or crumbled sausage before baking.
• For added flavor, I drizzle the finished pizza with balsamic glaze or chili oil.
• I’ve swapped spinach for arugula or kale, or added caramelized onions for a sweet-savory touch.
• A thin layer of pesto under the cheese mix adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy. Microwave works too, but I lose some of the texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, I’ve used pre-made dough to save time, and it works great. I just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. I bring it back to room temperature before using.

Is the cream cheese base too heavy?

Not at all. I find the mix of cream cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta makes it rich but balanced—especially with the fresh veggies on top.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dough. I follow the same steps, but check the texture while kneading since it can vary.

What can I serve with this pizza?

I usually serve it with a light arugula salad, roasted veggies, or garlic breadsticks for a full meal. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water pairs nicely too.

Conclusion

This Creamy & Delicious Pizza is a comforting, satisfying spin on a classic, and it’s one of my favorite ways to change up pizza night. The homemade crust is easy, the cheese mixture is irresistibly smooth, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. Whether I make it for guests or just because it’s Friday night, it always hits the spot.

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