There’s something incredibly satisfying about making homemade pizza from scratch. From kneading the dough to layering toppings and watching the cheese bubble in the oven, every step feels like a small accomplishment. While classic tomato-based pizzas are always a hit, white sauce pizzas bring a whole new level of flavor and indulgence. This Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce is a perfect example of that—it’s rich, savory, and has the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with fresh, vibrant toppings.
PrintCaramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce: A Gourmet Experience Made Simple
Say goodbye to boring pizza and hello to gourmet perfection! This Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce is a flavor-packed masterpiece. The sweet richness of caramelized onions, creamy white sauce, and salty feta pair beautifully with fresh spinach on a golden, crispy crust. Whether for a family pizza night or a special treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s an easy, homemade delight that tastes straight out of a pizzeria!
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- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza 1x
Ingredients
You can use either:
- ½ recipe homemade pizza dough (your favorite recipe)
- 1 store-bought pizza dough
For the Toppings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 4 ounces baby Bella mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced, about ¼ inch thick)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup feta cheese (or substitute with extra mozzarella)
For the White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons warm milk
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Small pinch of nutmeg (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Toppings
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the baby spinach and sauté for about 1 minute until just wilted.
- Transfer the spinach to a strainer and use the bottom of a glass to press out excess liquid. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until they soften and brown slightly. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- Add the last 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red onions and season with a small pinch of salt.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften but don’t brown.
- Stir in the sugar and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Once the onions are soft and slightly golden, add the balsamic vinegar, stir well, and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475ºF.
- Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Create a lip or rim around the edge of the dough to keep the sauce in.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Make the White Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, whisking for 1-2 minutes (don’t let it brown).
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper (add a pinch of nutmeg if using).
- When the sauce thickens slightly and just starts to boil, remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving the edges uncovered.
- Sprinkle ¾ of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add the sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and caramelized onions evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and feta cheese.
6. Bake the Pizza
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- For a crispier finish, turn on the broiler for the last minute of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.a
Notes
- How to Tell if the Pizza is Done: The crust should be golden, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbling.
- How to Prevent Soggy Crust: Make sure to drain excess liquid from the spinach and mushrooms before adding them.
- Easier Dough Handling: If using homemade dough, let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- What if the White Sauce is Too Thick? Add a splash of warm milk and whisk until smooth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
I still remember the first time I tried making a white sauce pizza at home. I was so used to the traditional red sauce that I was hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. But after my first bite of a creamy, garlicky pizza topped with caramelized onions and feta, I knew I had discovered something special. Since then, this pizza has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks to help you make it with ease.
Whether you’re new to homemade pizza or looking to upgrade your toppings, this recipe is a fantastic choice. The combination of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh baby spinach creates a gourmet experience without being overly complicated. Plus, making your own white sauce is easier than you might think! Let’s dive in.
Why This Pizza is Perfect for Beginners
- Simple Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easily available at the store.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need a pizza stone or fancy tools—just a baking sheet and an oven.
- Easy-to-Follow Steps: From caramelizing onions to making the white sauce, each step is beginner-friendly with clear instructions.
- Customizable: Don’t like mushrooms? Skip them! Prefer more cheese? Go for it! This pizza is easily adaptable to personal tastes.
Ingredients and Preparation
Pizza Dough
You can use either:
- ½ recipe homemade pizza dough (your favorite recipe)
- 1 store-bought pizza dough
For the Toppings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 4 ounces baby Bella mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced, about ¼ inch thick)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup feta cheese (or substitute with extra mozzarella)
For the White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons warm milk
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Small pinch of nutmeg (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Ingredient Alternatives and Substitutions
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, use extra mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Mushrooms: Swap them for bell peppers or leave them out entirely.
- Spinach: Try arugula or kale for a different texture and taste.
- Dough: If you want a quicker option, store-bought pizza crust or flatbread works well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Toppings
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the baby spinach and sauté for about 1 minute until just wilted.
- Transfer the spinach to a strainer and use the bottom of a glass to press out excess liquid. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until they soften and brown slightly. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- Add the last 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red onions and season with a small pinch of salt.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften but don’t brown.
- Stir in the sugar and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Once the onions are soft and slightly golden, add the balsamic vinegar, stir well, and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475ºF.
- Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Create a lip or rim around the edge of the dough to keep the sauce in.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Make the White Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, whisking for 1-2 minutes (don’t let it brown).
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper (add a pinch of nutmeg if using).
- When the sauce thickens slightly and just starts to boil, remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving the edges uncovered.
- Sprinkle ¾ of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add the sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and caramelized onions evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and feta cheese.
6. Bake the Pizza
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- For a crispier finish, turn on the broiler for the last minute of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- How to Tell if the Pizza is Done: The crust should be golden, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbling.
- How to Prevent Soggy Crust: Make sure to drain excess liquid from the spinach and mushrooms before adding them.
- Easier Dough Handling: If using homemade dough, let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- What if the White Sauce is Too Thick? Add a splash of warm milk and whisk until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp side salad with balsamic dressing.
- Garlic breadsticks for extra indulgence.
- A refreshing lemonade or iced tea for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 375ºF oven for 5-7 minutes or until crispy again.
Final Thoughts: Try This Pizza and Make It Your Own!
Making pizza from scratch may seem intimidating, but this Caramelized Onion Feta Spinach Pizza with White Sauce proves that gourmet flavors can be easy to achieve at home. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project, you’ll love the creamy white sauce, the rich caramelized onions, and the balance of fresh spinach and mushrooms.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Feel free to experiment with different toppings and make it your own. Happy cooking!