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

Pizza has always been a universal comfort food, loved across cultures for its versatility and endless possibilities. While the classic tomato-based pizza will always have its place, sometimes your palate craves something different — something a little richer, creamier, and more indulgent. Enter the Creamy Pizza with White Sauce, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives.

This pizza is a delightful twist on tradition. Instead of tangy marinara, it features a luxurious white sauce as the base, which pairs perfectly with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and the salty punch of olives. The combination creates a pizza that feels both gourmet and approachable, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or even entertaining guests who appreciate something out of the ordinary.

Inspired by Italian-style white pizzas, this recipe balances creaminess with freshness, ensuring every bite is satisfying without being heavy. Once you try it, you may just find yourself reaching for white sauce pizza more often than red.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza

• Creamy & Rich: The white sauce provides a velvety base that enhances every topping.

• Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with nutritious vegetables without compromising flavor.

• Restaurant-Worthy at Home: Impress your family or guests with minimal effort.

• Customizable: Add extra toppings, change the cheese, or adjust flavors to suit your preferences.

• Perfect Balance: Earthy mushrooms, leafy spinach, and briny olives create a harmony of flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (makes one 12-inch pizza)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

(Shortcut option: use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.)

For the White Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Toppings

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced; cremini, button, or portobello work well)

• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach leaves

• ½ cup black olives (sliced)

• Olive oil (for sautéing mushrooms and spinach)

Optional Garnishes

• Red pepper flakes

• Fresh basil leaves

• Extra Parmesan

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

(Skip this step if using store-bought dough.)

Step 2: Make the White Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

2. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden and tender (5 minutes). Set aside.

2. In the same pan, quickly wilt spinach for 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Slice olives thinly for even distribution.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

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

2. Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.

3. Spread a generous layer of white sauce over the base.

4. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese.

5. Add mushrooms, spinach, and olives evenly across the surface.

6. Top with the remaining mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Slide pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

3. Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overload toppings: Too many can make the crust soggy.

• Preheat your oven fully: A hot oven ensures a crisp crust.

• Use fresh mozzarella: For a gooey, luxurious melt.

• Balance flavors: Salty olives pair perfectly with the creaminess — don’t skip them.

• Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil or rosemary can elevate the flavor even more.

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Variations to Try

1. Four-Cheese White Pizza – Add ricotta, provolone, or fontina for extra richness.

2. Garlic Lovers’ Pizza – Double the garlic powder or add roasted garlic cloves.

3. Mediterranean Twist – Add artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes along with the olives.

4. Protein Boost – Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.

5. Vegan Option – Use plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and vegan butter for the sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy white sauce pizza pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus

• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon

• Garlic knots or breadsticks for dipping in leftover sauce

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm in a hot oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to revive crispness.

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Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate for 8 slices)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 480mg

(Values vary depending on crust thickness and cheese quantity.)

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FAQs

1. Can I make the white sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.

2. What type of mushrooms are best?
Cremini mushrooms give a rich, earthy flavor, but button mushrooms or portobellos work too.

3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

4. What’s the best cheese for creamy pizza?
Mozzarella for melting, Parmesan for sharpness. Add ricotta for extra creaminess.

5. How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.

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Conclusion

The Creamy Pizza with White Sauce, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. With its velvety sauce, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and briny olives, it’s a pizza that feels gourmet while still being easy to make at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Try it once, and you’ll find yourself adding it to your regular pizza rotation. Share it with friends and family — because some dishes are just too good not to enjoy together.

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