If you’re anything like me, a well-balanced pizza that’s both creamy and a little spicy is an absolute win. This Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe brings together creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, savory sausage, and a sweet chili finish that’ll have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I totally adore this recipe because it hits all the right notes: flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Plus, the quick homemade dough gives you that fresh-baked vibe without needing to fuss for hours.
- Quick and Easy: The dough comes together in just 5 minutes, so you’ll be ready to bake in no time.
- Perfect Flavor Harmony: Creamy ricotta plus spicy sausage and a hint of sweet chili jam make every bite exciting.
- Fresh Ingredients: Broccolini and spinach add a wonderful texture and freshness to this white pizza.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the red chili for just the right amount of kick to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk ingredients before you get cooking. I like to keep things simple but flavorful, and most of these you can find easily at any grocery store. If you want, choose quality sausage and fresh leafy spinach to make the flavors really pop.
- Self-raising Flour (or all-purpose with baking powder): Makes the dough light and fluffy without needing yeast or long proofing.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough, plus protein for a satisfying bite.
- Salt: Essential for bringing depth of flavor to both dough and toppings.
- Ricotta: The creamy white base that balances well with spicy and savory toppings.
- Garlic cloves: Crushed garlic infuses the ricotta spread with aromatic warmth.
- Spinach leaves: Adds freshness and a vibrant green color, plus nutrients.
- Mozzarella: Melts beautifully to provide gooey texture and mild flavor.
- Broccolini: Thinly sliced for slight crunch and subtle bitterness to cut richness.
- Cheddar or Gruyere: Cubed for sharp, nutty bursts on top of the pizza.
- Sausages: Cooked and crumbled or sliced sausage adds savory meatiness and spice.
- Red chili: Finely chopped for just the right hit of heat.
- Sweet chili jam: A drizzle finishes the pizza with a sweet and spicy contrast that makes it unforgettable.
Make It Your Way
What I love most about this Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste. Whether you want to dial up the heat, switch up the greens, or make it a touch more indulgent, the possibilities are endless!
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the spicy sausage for marinated roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions. I’ve tried this variation myself and was pleasantly surprised by how the earthy mushrooms complemented the creamy ricotta beautifully.
- Seasonal Spin: In spring, try adding asparagus spears instead of broccolini for a fresh, crunchy bite. It brings a lovely brightness that pairs very well with the ricotta and spinach.
- Cheese Twist: If you want a sharper flavor, try swapping the cheddar or gruyere cubes for crumbled feta or goat cheese. It adds a tangy punch that livens up the pizza instantly.
- Heat Level: Adjust the finely chopped red chili according to your spice tolerance. You can even try smoked paprika or chili flakes if fresh chili is too spicy or unavailable.
- Quick Dough Swap: For busy nights, feel free to use store-bought pizza bases, naan bread, or even wraps. I've found that the toppings still shine through with these shortcuts.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Knead Your Quick Pizza Dough
Start by combining 300 grams of self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder) with 280 grams of thick Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. The mixture will come together as a soft dough almost immediately. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth and elastic – about 2 to 3 minutes. Divide it into two equal parts and shape each into a round pizza base. This no-fuss dough only takes about 5 minutes in total and creates a wonderfully tender base.
Step 2: Get Your Oven Rocking
At least 45 minutes before baking, crank your oven to its highest setting — around 250°C / 480°F. Place a pizza stone, cast iron pan, or oven tray inside to get nice and hot. This step is crucial for a crispy bottom crust that I know you’ll love.
Step 3: Cook Your Sausages to Perfection
While your dough rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 2 large sausages until they’re browned with a deliciously crispy exterior and cooked through inside—around 8 to 10 minutes. Remove them from heat and either slice or crumble them, depending on your preference. The cooked sausage brings a spicy, savory punch to this pizza that’s hard to beat.
Step 4: Layer the Creamy, Green, and Cheesy Goodness
Spread ½ cup of ricotta mixed with 2 crushed garlic cloves and ¼ teaspoon salt evenly over each pizza base. Then scatter ½ cup chopped spinach leaves, ½ cup grated mozzarella, and thinly sliced broccolini over the ricotta. Top with cubes from ¼ cup of cheddar or gruyere, cooked sausage pieces, and sprinkle finely chopped red chili evenly on each pizza. This layering creates a beautiful balance of creamy, fresh, and spicy flavors I always look forward to.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet, carefully transfer your prepared pizza onto the preheated stone or tray. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are piping hot and gooey. You’ll know it’s done when the mozzarella is melted and has those inviting little golden spots.
Step 6: Finish with a Sweet and Spicy Drizzle
Once out of the oven, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sweet chili jam over each pizza. This final touch adds a gorgeous sweet-spicy glaze that perfectly complements the savory sausage and cooling ricotta. It’s a little trick I never skip!
Step 7: Slice and Savor Your Creation
Slice your pizzas while hot and serve immediately. The crust should be crisp underneath with a tender crumb inside, loaded with layers of flavour from creamy ricotta to spicy sausage and fresh greens. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that make this Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe a memorable meal.
Top Tip
These tips will help you get the most delicious, perfectly balanced Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza every time you make it. From dough prep to topping techniques, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
- Preheat Thoroughly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to its highest setting (around 250°C / 480°F) with your pizza stone, cast iron pan, or baking tray inside. This jumpstarts a crispy, golden crust that’s hard to beat.
- Mix the Dough Gently: When combining self-raising flour and Greek yogurt, mix until just combined and knead lightly. Overworking the dough can make it tough — the goal is soft, tender bases every time.
- Balance Your Toppings: Spread the ricotta garlic mixture evenly to create a creamy base, but don’t overload with sausage or cheese. This pizza shines when the spinach, broccolini, sausage, and cheeses all get a chance to contribute without overwhelming the crust.
- Don’t Skip the Sweet Chili Drizzle: That final drizzle of sweet chili jam on the hot pizza adds an irresistible sweet heat that perfectly complements the savory sausage and creamy ricotta—trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza, try adding a few fresh garnish touches right before serving. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or oregano adds a burst of herbal freshness. A light dusting of flaky sea salt can enhance the cheese’s creaminess. If you like extra heat, scatter a few more thin slices of fresh red chili or a pinch of crushed chili flakes.
Side Dishes
Keep your meal balanced with a crisp, refreshing side salad like mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and parmesan. Roasted garlic and herb potatoes or grilled vegetables pair wonderfully with the savory and creamy notes of the pizza. For something lighter, a bowl of minestrone or a tomato basil soup complements this Italian-inspired feast beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the pizza covered will help preserve moisture and flavors without letting the crust get soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping each piece tightly in cling film and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza is in a hot oven or air fryer, which helps re-crisp the crust and warm the toppings evenly. Heat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F) and warm the pizza for 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While the quick homemade dough with self-raising flour and Greek yogurt is easy and tasty, store-bought bases, wraps, or naan can be a convenient alternative, especially when you're short on time.
The spice level mainly comes from the finely chopped red chili and the sweet chili jam drizzle. You can adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder pizza.
Definitely! Simply leave out the sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichokes to keep the flavors vibrant and satisfying.
Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes on the preheated stone or tray. Look for a golden, crispy crust and hot, bubbling toppings. The cheese should be melted and starting to brown slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want a comforting meal that feels special without fuss. The creamy ricotta mixed with fresh spinach, the spicy kick from the sausage and chili, plus that sweet chili jam finish — it’s a beautiful dance of flavors and textures. Plus, making your own dough with just self-raising flour and Greek yogurt means you get fresh, homemade pizza in just 20 minutes! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table.
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Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spinach, Ricotta and Sausage Pizza is a flavorful white pizza featuring a creamy ricotta base with crushed garlic, chopped spinach, mozzarella, and tender broccolini. Topped with cubes of cheddar or gruyere, spicy sausage, finely chopped red chili, and a drizzle of sweet chili jam, this pizza offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Using a quick homemade dough made with self-raising flour and Greek yogurt, this pizza recipe brings a delicious and easy meal to your pizza night rotation.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 300 g self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder)
- 280 g thick Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pizza Toppings
- ½ cup ricotta
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped spinach leaves
- ½ cup mozzarella, grated
- 4 pieces broccolini, thinly sliced lengthways
- ¼ cup cheddar or gruyere, cut into cubes
- 2 large sausages, cooked and crumbled or sliced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder), Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a pizza base.
- Preheat the Oven: At least 45 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to its highest setting (approximately 250°C / 480°F). Place a pizza stone, cast iron pan, or oven tray inside to heat thoroughly.
- Cook the Sausages: While the dough rests, cook the sausages in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and slice or crumble for topping.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread ½ cup ricotta mixed with crushed garlic and ¼ teaspoon salt evenly over the rolled-out pizza bases. Evenly distribute the chopped spinach, grated mozzarella, and thinly sliced broccolini over the ricotta layer. Scatter cubes of cheddar or gruyere on top. Add the cooked sausage pieces and sprinkle finely chopped red chili over the pizzas.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the prepared pizza base onto the preheated stone or tray. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and toppings are hot and melted.
- Add Sweet Chili Jam: Once out of the oven, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sweet chili jam per pizza over the top to add a sweet and spicy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pizzas and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Spinach and ricotta pair beautifully, creating a creamy base for the pizza that balances the savory sausage and crunchy broccolini.
- This recipe uses a quick 5-minute dough made with Greek yogurt, but store-bought pizza bases, wraps, or naan can be substituted for convenience.
- Preheating the oven and pizza stone or tray is crucial for a crispy crust.
- Adjust the amount of red chili according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover pizzas can be reheated in a hot oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ pizza
- Calories: 576 kcal
- Sugar: 9.1 g
- Sodium: 1350 mg
- Fat: 19.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 71.1 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 27.7 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg

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