Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Quick Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza Recipe to Love

Melted cheese and vibrant pesto create magic on this three cheese pesto spinach flatbread that promises culinary adventure.

Layers of flavor burst through crispy crust with unexpected harmony.

Mediterranean inspirations dance across each delectable slice, inviting exploration.

Spinach brings unexpected depth, complementing rich cheese combinations perfectly.

Simple ingredients merge into an elegant meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Herbs and creamy textures weave together, creating a delightful canvas for your taste buds.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible flatbread masterpiece.

What Makes Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza Stand Out

  • Whips up in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a simple yet impressive meal.
  • Easily adaptable with different cheeses, additional toppings like grilled chicken or prosciutto, and can be tailored to personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Delivers gourmet flavor and restaurant-style presentation without the expensive price tag, allowing home cooks to enjoy a premium dining experience right in their own kitchen.

Must-Haves for Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza

Base:
  • Flatbread: Crispy foundation for the pizza, provides a quick and easy alternative to traditional pizza dough.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy crust on the flatbread edges.
Sauce and Green Layer:
  • Pesto: Flavorful green sauce that adds herbaceous and nutty notes to the pizza.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the flatbread.
Cheese Topping:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheeses that melt beautifully and provide rich flavor.

Notes: Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.

Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish for extra kick.
  • Balsamic Drizzle: Optional sweet and tangy finishing touch.

Putting Together Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and grab a baking sheet ready for action.

Step 2: Prep Your Flatbread Canvas

Lay out your flatbreads on the baking sheet like a delicious blank painting.

Step 3: Spread The Green Goodness

Slather a generous layer of pesto across each flatbread, covering every inch with herby excitement.

Step 4: Sprinkle Leafy Greens

Scatter fresh chopped spinach evenly over the pesto landscape.

Step 5: Layer The Cheese Trio

Top your creation with a dreamy cheese combination:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Ricotta cheese (in soft dollops)
  • Parmesan cheese (sprinkled generously)

Step 6: Add Golden Edges

Brush the flatbread edges with olive oil for a crispy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until:
  • Cheese melts completely
  • Edges turn crispy
  • Toppings look bubbly and irresistible

Step 8: Final Flavor Touches

Remove from oven and customize with:
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crack of black pepper
  • Optional red pepper flakes
  • Balsamic drizzle

Slice into wedges and serve while warm and gooey.

Helpful Tips for Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza

  • Customize Your Crust: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free flatbreads to accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheeses reach room temperature before adding to ensure smoother, more even melting across the flatbread.
  • Pesto Pro Tip: Use homemade or store-bought pesto, but spread it thinly to prevent overwhelming other ingredients and maintain balanced taste.
  • Fresh Flavor Boost: Add fresh basil leaves or arugula after baking for a crisp, vibrant finish that elevates the overall texture and taste.
  • Prep Like a Pro: Chop spinach and measure cheeses beforehand to streamline the assembly process and create a stress-free cooking experience.

Storing Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza Smartly

  • Store leftover flatbread pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm slices at 350F for 57 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crispy again. Cover with foil to prevent burning.
  • Quickly crisp pizza slices in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 23 minutes, covering with a lid to help cheese melt evenly.
  • Skip microwave reheating to maintain the flatbread's original crispy texture and prevent soggy results.

What to Eat with Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza

  • Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herbal pesto and creamy cheese flavors.
  • Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flatbread and add a refreshing contrast to the warm pizza.
  • Brew a cool mint iced tea or sparkling water with fresh basil to echo the pesto's herbal notes and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Plate some marinated olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and prosciutto alongside the flatbread to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and provide additional texture.

Add-Ons for Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional flatbread with cauliflower crust or gluten-free naan bread for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Transformation: Swap dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew mozzarella, tofu ricotta, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini or eggplant slices as a base instead of flatbread, maintaining the pesto and cheese combination while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled plant-based protein like seasoned tempeh to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.

Curious About This Pizza? We’ve Got Answers

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza is completely vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat ingredients.

  • Can I use a different type of bread instead of flatbread?

Absolutely! You can substitute flatbread with naan, pizza dough, or even a pre-baked pizza crust for similar results.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat flatbread, reduce cheese quantity, add more spinach, and opt for low-fat cheese varieties to increase nutritional value.

  • What are some potential protein additions for this flatbread?

Consider adding pine nuts, chickpeas, white beans, or for non-vegetarians, grilled chicken or prosciutto can be excellent protein-rich toppings.

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Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy bliss meets Mediterranean magic in this three cheese pesto spinach flatbread pizza, where crisp crust cradles rich layers of herbal pesto and melted cheese. Savory, fresh ingredients dance together, promising a quick gourmet experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses:

  • ¾ cup (177 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Base and Greens:

  • 2 flatbreads or naan (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) basil pesto
  • 1 cup (240 ml) baby spinach, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Optional Additions:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, crushed walnuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a precise 400°F (200°C), preparing a baking sheet for the flatbread transformation.
  2. Generously coat each flatbread with a vibrant layer of pesto, ensuring complete and even coverage across the surface.
  3. Delicately scatter fresh, chopped spinach leaves over the pesto base, creating a verdant landscape of green.
  4. Create a luxurious cheese medley by layering mozzarella, strategically placing creamy ricotta dollops, and sprinkling Parmesan for a complex flavor profile.
  5. Optional: Lovingly brush the flatbread edges with olive oil to encourage a golden, crisp perimeter during baking.
  6. Transfer the prepared flatbreads into the heated oven, allowing them to transform for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, enticing surface and the edges crisp beautifully.
  7. Carefully extract the flatbreads from the oven, seasoning with a refined touch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste experience.
  8. Elevate the final presentation with optional garnishes like fiery red pepper flakes or a sophisticated balsamic drizzle.
  9. Slice the flatbread into elegant portions and serve while the cheese remains gloriously warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Swap regular flatbreads with gluten-free options for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious pizza.
  • Customize cheese quantities based on personal preference, using less dairy for lighter versions or adding extra for cheese lovers.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding protein-rich toppings like grilled chicken, sliced almonds, or roasted pine nuts for a more substantial meal.
  • Experiment with alternative pestos like sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or herb-infused varieties to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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