Creamy Pizza with White Sauce, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives

There’s something unforgettable about a pizza that breaks the rules—one that trades traditional red sauce for a creamy, luxurious white base. Creamy Pizza with White Sauce, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives is exactly that: a rich, indulgent take on pizza that’s earthy, briny, and full of character. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies cravings for something cheesy and comforting, yet still feels refined and balanced.

Ideal for a cozy dinner, an elegant vegetarian option for guests, or a Sunday treat, this pizza marries creamy béchamel with tender sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, and salty black olives. Every bite is a layer of textures and flavors: creamy, chewy, crispy, savory, and slightly tangy. If you love gourmet-style pizza but want to make it yourself at home, this recipe is your answer.

Why White Sauce Makes a Difference

White sauce, often known as béchamel, is a buttery, garlicky cream base made from flour, butter, milk, and seasoning. Unlike tomato sauce, which brings acidity and sweetness, white sauce delivers silky smoothness and richness that pairs perfectly with mild vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. It enhances cheese without overwhelming the toppings, and it allows delicate ingredients to shine.

Creamy pizzas aren’t just indulgent—they’re sophisticated. This style of pizza feels like comfort food with a hint of restaurant flair.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

For the White Sauce

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2 Tbsp flour

• 1 ¼ cups whole milk (warm)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

For the Pizza

• 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, ~300–400 g)

• 1–1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms (any variety: cremini, shiitake, or button)

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (lightly wilted)

• ¼ cup sliced black olives or Kalamata olives

• Olive oil for brushing the crust

• Optional: red chili flakes, fresh oregano or basil, lemon zest

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the White Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste, and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk, then stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer gently until thickened—about 4–6 minutes. Stir in Parmesan if using, then set aside to cool slightly.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Dough

Preheat oven to 230 °C (450 °F). Roll out the dough onto a floured surface or baking sheet, shaping it into a 12-inch circle or rectangle. Brush edges with olive oil for a golden crust.

3. Assemble the Pizza

Spread the white sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a border. Top with mozzarella, followed by mushrooms, spinach, and olives. Add a pinch of black pepper or chili flakes if desired.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake in a hot oven for 10–14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden. If needed, broil the top for 1–2 minutes for extra color.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs or a touch of lemon zest. Slice and enjoy hot.

The Balance of Ingredients

This pizza’s power lies in how it balances richness with freshness:

• The creamy white sauce forms a mellow, savory base.

• Mushrooms bring umami and meatiness.

• Spinach adds a leafy brightness and gentle bitterness.

• Olives provide a briny pop that cuts through the cream.

• Mozzarella melts to form the perfect cheesy veil that unites everything.

It’s indulgent, yes—but never heavy. Each ingredient plays its part with purpose.

Flavor Variations to Explore

• Add caramelized onions for a sweet contrast.

• Swap spinach for arugula added after baking for a peppery crunch.

• Use goat cheese or feta instead of or alongside mozzarella.

• Add roasted garlic cloves for deep, mellow flavor.

• Top with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and tang.

What Makes This Pizza So Satisfying

There’s something deeply comforting about white pizza. It’s not just the creaminess—it’s the quiet depth of flavor, the way each bite reveals layers of richness and brightness. Unlike a heavy meat pizza or spicy tomato-based pie, this one is more subtle. It’s a “slow pleasure”—one that invites you to savor rather than rush.

Even better, it’s incredibly filling without being greasy, and it feels special enough for dinner parties but easy enough for a regular Tuesday.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Pair your creamy mushroom and spinach pizza with:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges

• A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with mint and citrus

• A side of grilled vegetables or marinated artichokes for an antipasto feel

This pizza also shines as a centerpiece dish—served with sides and wine, it turns a regular dinner into something memorable.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh spinach and sauté it briefly to remove excess moisture.

• Pre-cook mushrooms to intensify flavor and avoid soggy toppings.

• Don’t overload the sauce—spread evenly, just enough to coat.

• Bake on a hot surface—a pizza stone or preheated sheet pan ensures crisp crust.

• Let it rest before slicing so toppings set slightly.

Make It Ahead

• Prepare the white sauce in advance—it keeps 2–3 days in the fridge.

• Store sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach separately.

• Assemble just before baking for best texture.

• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold—it’s that good.

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)

• Calories: ~400–500 kcal

• Protein: ~15–20 g

• Carbs: ~35–40 g

• Fat: ~20–25 g

• Fiber: from spinach, mushrooms, and whole-wheat crust if used

• Vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and iron from veggies and cheese

This pizza offers indulgence with nutritional value—balanced, hearty, and satisfying.

The Comfort of Creaminess in a Slice

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a slice of pizza where the sauce isn’t sharp or tangy, but soft and comforting. The creamy white base wraps around your taste buds like a warm blanket. It’s smooth, soothing, and luxurious—like pasta Alfredo meets pizza. When you want comfort food with elegance, this pizza delivers it one bite at a time.

Mushrooms: The Umami Heartbeat

Mushrooms bring more than texture—they bring umami, the savory depth that makes food irresistible. Whether you use earthy creminis, delicate oyster mushrooms, or robust portobellos, they create a “meaty” satisfaction without meat. Sautéing them first enhances that complexity, concentrating their flavor while preventing sogginess. Each mushroom slice becomes a burst of flavor baked into cheesy richness.

Spinach: The Fresh Contrast

While cream and cheese dominate richness, spinach swoops in to lighten the dish. Its mild bitterness and tender bite add balance and contrast. It not only boosts nutritional value but also enhances the pizza’s appearance with vibrant green flecks. When paired with garlic and cheese, spinach shines as a quiet but crucial element.

Olives: Little Explosions of Flavor

Just a few sliced olives can transform a pizza. They bring briny sharpness that cuts through the cream and cheese like punctuation in a sentence. Whether you prefer mellow black olives or the bold tang of Kalamata, their salty kick elevates the experience. Each slice becomes dynamic and multidimensional—creamy, herby, rich, and piquant.

Creating a Pizzeria Experience at Home

Baking this pizza at home gives you creative control—over toppings, crust thickness, sauce quantity, cheese melt. More than that, it creates ritual and atmosphere. From rolling out dough to watching cheese bubble in the oven, it becomes more than a recipe—it becomes an experience. The aroma alone will transport you to your favorite café or bistro, minus the bill.

A Vegetarian Pizza That Feels Complete

Too often, veggie pizzas feel like something’s missing. But this version is deeply satisfying—rich in texture, bold in flavor, and visually stunning. It proves that vegetarian meals can be full-bodied, indulgent, and filling. With creamy sauce, mushrooms, spinach, and olives working in harmony, you won’t miss meat at all.

Serving a Crowd? Make It a Flatbread Bar

Want to serve guests? Turn this recipe into a build-your-own creamy flatbread bar. Offer the white sauce as a base, then lay out mushrooms, spinach, olives, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheeses. Everyone personalizes their slice, then you bake them together. It’s fun, interactive, and showcases how versatile this flavor profile can be.

Creamy Pizza with White Sauce, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives

---

• Author: rodrigo Stone
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Pizza with White Sauce, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives is a rich and savory twist on classic pizza, featuring a velvety garlic-parmesan béchamel in place of tomato sauce. Topped with sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, and briny olives, this white pizza is indulgent, balanced, and loaded with flavor — perfect for vegetarian pizza night or anyone craving something creamy and satisfying.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Pizza:

• 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms (cremini or button)

• 1 cup fresh spinach, lightly sautéed or wilted

• 1/4 cup sliced black or Kalamata olives

• Red pepper flakes or fresh basil for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

2. Make the white sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add garlic and cook until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the dough: Roll or stretch pizza dough into a 10–12 inch round on floured parchment.

4. Assemble the pizza: Spread white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, then layer with mushrooms, spinach, and olives.

5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Finish: Let rest for 2 minutes, garnish with red pepper flakes or basil if desired, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

You can use a pre-baked crust for a faster version, or add artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair. For a gluten-free version, use a cauliflower crust and gluten-free flour in the white sauce. This pizza also pairs well with a crisp green salad or sparkling water with lemon.

 

 

 

 

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes