Minnesota's Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza: A Cozy Twist on a Classic

Photo bymiss wulan

Minnesota is known for its hearty dishes, and there’s a new recipe on the block that promises to bring comfort and flavor right to your table: Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza. This fusion of a beloved pizza base and creamy spinach dip offers a unique twist to a classic favorite. It combines two comforting foods, creating a savory meal perfect for sharing with friends and family during those chilly Minnesotan nights.

Why Minnesota Loves Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza

This pizza dish is more than just food – it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and indulgence. At its heart is a rich spinach dip made from fresh water spinach (locally called kangkong), cream cheese, and parmesan, spread over a perfectly crisp pizza crust. The creamy texture of the cheese, combined with the slight earthiness of the spinach, provides a perfect balance of flavors that Minnesotans love to savor.

Spinach has long been a popular ingredient in Minnesota, thanks to its availability and versatility in dishes ranging from salads to savory bakes. Now, paired with pizza, this recipe brings together tradition and innovation, ensuring that every bite is filled with comfort and joy.

Recipe: Minnesota Style Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 bundle kangkong (water spinach) leaves and tender stalks only
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 medium white onion, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 226-gram block of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 190-gram blocks mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 10-inch pizza crusts
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Water Spinach: Rinse kangkong leaves and tender stalks thoroughly. Dry them using a salad spinner and chop roughly. Set them aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a nonstick pan over medium heat, heat the oil and add garlic. Sauté until it’s almost toasted. Add the onions and cook until they soften, stirring occasionally to prevent browning. Lower the heat as needed. Once the onions are soft, add the chopped kangkong leaves and stir until they wilt, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
4. Prepare the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pizza crusts onto a baking tray. Divide the spinach dip mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in size) and evenly place them around each pizza crust. Generously cover the pizza with grated mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizzas onto the bottom rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted, and the crust is golden and crispy.
6. Serve Hot: Once baked, remove from the oven, slice, and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the pizza crust is crisp.

The beauty of this Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza lies in its versatility. It can be served as an appetizer for a get-together, a snack for game day, or a light meal on its own. Whether you're enjoying it on a snowy Minnesota day or a cool summer evening, the combination of rich, creamy spinach dip and a crispy pizza crust will warm your heart and leave you craving more.

Minnesota's love for bold, hearty flavors shines through in this dish. It’s perfect for gatherings with friends or family or when you just want to enjoy a cozy night in. Creamy, cheesy, and full of fresh ingredients, this recipe brings the best of both worlds to the table.

To prepare your Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza using fresh water spinach (kangkong), you’ll need a simple yet flavorful approach. This unique pizza brings together the richness of a creamy spinach dip with the satisfying crunch of a baked pizza crust.

Steps for a Perfect Spinach Dip Pizza:

Start by sautéing your water spinach with garlic and onions to give it a savory base. Then, blend the cooked spinach with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese to create a thick, creamy mixture. The real twist here is forming small balls of the dip and placing them across the pizza dough before adding a generous layer of mozzarella. Once baked, the combination of gooey cheese and savory dip makes for an irresistible treat. The pizza is best served hot, with its crust crispy and the spinach dip warm and creamy​(Yummy)​(The Recipe Critic).

This recipe works well whether you're using pre-made pizza crusts or making your own from scratch. If you can't find water spinach, regular spinach can also be a great substitute​(YouTube).

For more details, you can check out video tutorials or follow other similar recipes for a twist on traditional spinach dips​(The Recipe Critic)​(YouTube).

You can view the full recipe process here: Yummy PH's Spinach Dip Pizza Recipe Video.