Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pizza

We are smack dab in the middle of the season of Halloween parties and football tailgating parties.  And this pizza?  Well, it is perfect for those parties!

If you are one of the millions who love spinach and artichoke dip {lets face it, don't you see it on practically every restaurant menu these days?} then you'll love this pizza.  I figured, I usually like to serve my hot spinach and artichoke dip with crispy bread toasts anyway, so throwing the dip ON TOP OF PIZZA DOUGH was like having the dip without having to....well.....dip.

And maybe better portion control?  Maybe just maybe you'd limit yourself to one slice of pizza instead of 20 dips into the bowl.

We can hope, right?

Bake this on a pizza stone and the crust gets super crispy, yet still chewy and the dip portion just melts all over.  It's perfect!

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pizza

1 pkg. spinach, thawed and drained
8 oz. cream cheese
1 jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. mayo
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced

Additional:
6 large slices provolone cheese

For the crust:
{link to my classic pizza dough recipe here}

1.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  If you have a 9×13 pizza stone pan, preheat that as well.  Otherwise a regular 9×13 pan will work too.

2.  Combine all dip ingredients and set aside.  

3.  Spread out pizza dough with greased fingers and stretch to fit the pan.  

4.  Top with sliced provolone cheese slices.  Then spread on the dip.  

5.  Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.  

6.  Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.  

7.  Cut into strips and serve immediately.

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In other news....

The first annual Food & Lifestyle Blogger Meet-up is nearing!  I have compiled a group of 18 bloggers from all over Iowa to meet on Saturday, November 9th in Iowa City.  We'll be touring a food co-op, sampling yummy food, visiting a cupcake shop, doing some shopping and ending the day with a nice Italian dinner.

I'm so excited!  Yet, also a little nervous that it all comes together.  Items have been arriving at my house weekly for these bloggers, including yesterday when a HEAVY box of holiday magazines arrived from my friends at Simple & Delicious.  I cannot wait to fill these swag bags!

I hope this event is one that will continue each year.  If there is anyone out there that still wants to participate please contact me.  Or if your company wants to give these bloggers a special treat, we will have room!