Effortless Flatout Bread Pizzas: Quick & Healthy Buffalo Chicken and Spinach Dip Creations
For anyone striving to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor or succumbing to the pressures of a busy schedule, Flatout bread is an absolute game-changer. It has long been a cherished staple in my kitchen, admired for its incredible versatility and its remarkably Weight Watchers-friendly profile. This month, I’m thrilled to once again partner with Flatout to bring you two incredibly easy, utterly delicious, and satisfying pizza recipes that are perfect for those demanding days when time is simply not on your side.
We all experience those evenings when we crave a satisfying meal that aligns with our health goals, but the thought of a lengthy cooking process is daunting. That’s where Flatout bread pizzas come to the rescue! I’ve crafted two mouth-watering, quick-to-prepare pizza creations that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds: a fiery Buffalo Chicken pizza and a creamy, savory Spinach Dip pizza. Both are equally scrumptious and surprisingly simple to assemble. Before you dive into these fantastic recipes, make sure you have your Flatout bread ready. Head over to the Flatout bread store locator to find a store near you and stock up on this essential ingredient!
Flatout bread isn’t just a convenient base; it’s a foundation for healthier eating. Its thin, light texture provides the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings, allowing you to enjoy the indulgence of pizza with a fraction of the calories and carbs found in traditional pizza crusts. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone on a Weight Watchers plan, managing their carb intake, or simply seeking lighter meal options. The crispiness it develops in the oven is truly a revelation, mimicking the satisfying crunch of a gourmet thin-crust pizza without the extra effort or guilt.
Why Flatout Bread is Your Ultimate Pizza Base
Choosing Flatout bread as your pizza base opens up a world of culinary possibilities, especially when you’re aiming for quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals. Unlike many heavy, calorie-dense pizza doughs, Flatout bread is light, airy, and designed for convenience. It bakes up beautifully crisp, providing that satisfying texture you crave in a pizza without making you feel overly full or weighed down. Its neutral flavor profile also means it pairs wonderfully with a wide array of toppings, from classic marinara and mozzarella to more adventurous combinations like the ones we’re exploring today.
Beyond its fantastic taste and texture, Flatout bread boasts impressive nutritional benefits. Many varieties are high in fiber, low in calories, and a good source of protein, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet. For those tracking points or macros, Flatout bread is a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy a substantial and delicious meal while staying on track. Its quick cooking time is another major advantage, transforming a simple ingredient into a piping hot, perfectly cooked pizza in mere minutes. This is invaluable on busy weeknights when you need a meal fast, but still want something wholesome and homemade.
Quick & Easy Flatout Bread Pizzas: Buffalo Chicken & Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- Flatout pizza bread
- FOR THE BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA
- 1 Tbsp light softened cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp Franks RedHot sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp light ranch dressing
- 3 oz cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup shredded light cheese
- FOR THE SPINACH DIP PIZZA
- 2 Tbsp light softened cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry) works
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder or seasoning
- 3 Tbsp shredded Asiago cheese, or other cheese of choice (e.g., mozzarella, provolone)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175°C). This ensures your Flatout bread gets a nice, even crisp from the start.
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For the Buffalo Chicken pizza: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together your light softened cream cheese, Franks RedHot sauce, and light ranch dressing until smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy, tangy, and spicy base for your pizza. Spread this mixture evenly over one Flatout bread. Sprinkle your shredded light cheese on top, then evenly distribute your cooked shredded chicken.
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For the Spinach Dip pizza: In a separate bowl, combine your light softened cream cheese and non-fat plain Greek yogurt. Mix until creamy. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Finally, gently fold in your chopped spinach (if using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to prevent a watery pizza). Spread this rich and flavorful spinach dip mixture onto the second Flatout bread, then sprinkle generously with shredded Asiago cheese.
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Carefully place both prepared Flatout pizzas directly onto the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the crust is golden brown and crispy to your liking. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your oven.
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Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before slicing. Use a pizza cutter to cut into desired pieces. Each Buffalo chicken pizza is approximately 11 SmartPoints, and each Spinach dip pizza is approximately 10 SmartPoints (note: SmartPoints values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used, so always calculate for your precise ingredients).
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These recipes are designed for individual servings, making them perfect for personalized meals. However, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients if you’re serving more people or simply craving extra deliciousness!
Additional Info
Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Flatout Pizza
The Buffalo Chicken pizza is a fan favorite for good reason: it delivers a punch of spicy, tangy flavor combined with creamy textures, all on a crispy crust. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the classic taste of buffalo wings in a healthier, more convenient format. The key to this pizza’s success lies in its vibrant sauce and tender chicken. Using pre-cooked shredded chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast – ideal for those nights when every minute counts. Consider using rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
The Zesty Sauce: A Blend of Flavor and Heat
Our Buffalo sauce for this pizza is a delightful mix of heat and creaminess. Softened light cream cheese forms the luxurious base, providing a cooling counterpoint to the classic kick of Franks RedHot sauce. A touch of light ranch dressing is then added to introduce an additional layer of tang and a hint of herby freshness, bringing all the quintessential buffalo flavors together. This trifecta creates a sauce that perfectly coats the Flatout bread, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. The beauty of this sauce is its simplicity and how quickly it comes together, needing just a quick stir.
Building Your Buffalo Masterpiece
Once your sauce is ready, building this pizza is a breeze. Spread the vibrant Buffalo mixture evenly over your Flatout bread, extending almost to the edges to ensure a flavorful crust. Next, generously sprinkle your favorite shredded light cheese – mozzarella or a cheddar blend works wonderfully – over the sauce. The cheese will melt into a gooey layer, complementing the tang of the buffalo sauce. Finally, scatter your cooked shredded chicken on top. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce as it bakes, creating a cohesive and satisfying topping. For an extra pop of color and freshness, a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra ranch after baking can elevate this pizza even further.
Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza
While the basic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative! If you like more heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can be added to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce. Blue cheese crumbles are a classic pairing with Buffalo chicken and would add a pungent, creamy element if you’re not strictly adhering to Weight Watchers points or have some to spare. Finely diced celery or bell peppers can also be added for extra crunch and vegetables. This pizza is all about customizing it to your personal preference, making it a truly versatile weeknight dinner option.
Indulge in the Creamy Spinach Dip Flatout Pizza
If you’re a fan of creamy, savory flavors, the Spinach Dip pizza will quickly become a new obsession. This recipe transforms the beloved party dip into a delightful pizza topping, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly light. It’s an excellent way to incorporate greens into your diet in a way that feels indulgent rather than restrictive. The combination of rich cheeses and fresh spinach creates a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and incredibly tasty.
The Rich & Savory Spinach Base
The heart of this pizza is its creamy spinach dip base. We start with light softened cream cheese, which provides that luxurious, smooth texture we expect from a good dip. Non-fat plain Greek yogurt is then mixed in, adding a tangy zest and a touch of protein while keeping the overall mixture light. Finely grated Parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, salty depth of flavor, beautifully complemented by a hint of garlic powder for that classic savory profile. The star, of course, is the chopped spinach. Whether you use fresh or frozen (just remember to thaw and squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach to avoid a soggy pizza!), the spinach adds vital nutrients and a lovely earthiness to the dip.
Assembling Your Spinach Dip Delight
Once your irresistible spinach dip mixture is prepared, spread it generously over your Flatout bread. This thick, creamy layer will be the foundation of your pizza’s flavor. After coating the bread, sprinkle it with shredded Asiago cheese. Asiago, with its nutty and slightly sharp notes, melts beautifully and adds a fantastic depth to the pizza. However, if Asiago isn’t readily available, a light mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work wonderfully. The goal is a bubbly, golden cheese topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy spinach base.
Creative Twists for Your Spinach Dip Pizza
To enhance your Spinach Dip pizza experience, consider adding a few extra ingredients. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking can add a subtle warmth and a touch of color. Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions could also be folded into the spinach dip mixture for an added layer of umami and sweetness. For a little extra protein, you could add some crumbled cooked turkey bacon or thinly sliced chicken sausage. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses; a bit of feta could add a briny, salty kick, while smoked Gouda would offer a rich, smoky undertone. The possibilities are endless when starting with such a delicious and versatile base.
General Tips for Baking Your Flatout Pizzas
Achieving the perfect Flatout pizza involves more than just great toppings; it also requires a few simple baking techniques. The goal is a crispy crust with perfectly melted and bubbly cheese, and the quick cooking time makes this an effortless process. Preheat your oven adequately to ensure even cooking and that desired crispy edge. A hot oven is key to preventing a soggy crust and achieving that restaurant-quality finish.
Achieving the Ideal Crisp
For the crispiest crust, placing the Flatout bread directly on the oven rack (if your toppings are secure) is often recommended. This allows hot air to circulate all around the crust, promoting maximum crispiness. However, if you prefer a slightly softer bottom or are worried about toppings falling through, a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone works just as well. Keep a close eye on your pizzas during the last few minutes of baking. Flatout bread cooks quickly, and you want that perfect golden-brown crust without burning. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly caramelized in spots, indicating it’s ready to be pulled from the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Flatout pizzas are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast, adding more vegetables and a crisp texture to your meal. For the Buffalo Chicken pizza, a side of carrot and celery sticks with extra light ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic accompaniment. For the Spinach Dip pizza, a simple tomato and cucumber salad would complement its rich flavors. A glass of iced tea or sparkling water makes for a light and refreshing beverage pairing, completing your quick and healthy meal.
The Convenience Factor: Healthy Meals in Minutes
One of the greatest benefits of Flatout pizzas, especially these two recipes, is the unparalleled convenience they offer. In just about 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hot, homemade, and incredibly flavorful meal on the table. This makes them an ideal solution for:
- **Busy Weeknights:** When you’re short on time but refuse to compromise on healthy eating.
- **Quick Lunches:** Perfect for a satisfying midday meal that’s much healthier than takeout.
- **Customizable Family Dinners:** Each person can create their own pizza, minimizing dinner disputes and catering to individual tastes and dietary needs.
- **Snack or Appetizer:** Cut into smaller squares, these pizzas can serve as delightful appetizers for guests or a wholesome snack for yourself.
Having Flatout bread in your pantry means you’re always just minutes away from a creative and wholesome meal, eliminating the temptation for less healthy, pre-packaged options.
Nutritional Benefits and Weight Watchers Friendliness
Both the Buffalo Chicken and Spinach Dip Flatout pizzas are designed with health and wellness in mind, making them excellent choices for those on a Weight Watchers journey or simply looking for lighter meal alternatives. The foundation, Flatout bread, is typically lower in calories and higher in fiber than traditional pizza crusts, providing a satisfying base without excess. The recipes utilize light cream cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt to cut down on fat and calories while maintaining a creamy texture. Lean shredded chicken is a fantastic source of protein for the Buffalo pizza, while the spinach in the dip pizza adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.
Always remember to verify SmartPoints values with your specific ingredients, as brands can vary. However, these recipes are consciously crafted to be point-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a substantial, delicious meal without derailing your diet. They prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring; it can be incredibly flavorful and fun!
Beyond These Recipes: Flatout’s Versatility
While these Buffalo Chicken and Spinach Dip pizzas are fantastic starting points, the true magic of Flatout bread lies in its incredible versatility. Don’t limit yourself to just these two ideas! Flatout bread can be used for a myriad of other quick and healthy meals:
- **Breakfast Pizzas:** Top with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats or vegetables.
- **Sweet Pizzas:** A spread of nut butter, sliced fruit, and a sprinkle of cinnamon can make for a delicious and healthy dessert or breakfast treat.
- **Wraps and Paninis:** Its flexible nature makes it perfect for rolling up your favorite sandwich fillings or pressing into a warm panini.
- **Quesadillas:** Layer with cheese and other fillings, fold, and cook on a griddle for a quick quesadilla.
- **Crispy Chips:** Cut into triangles, bake until crispy, and serve with salsa or hummus for a healthier snack.
Keeping a stash of Flatout bread in your pantry or freezer ensures you always have a healthy and convenient option for any mealtime. It empowers you to be creative in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and ingredients while maintaining your health goals.
I hope these two simple yet extraordinary Flatout bread pizza recipes inspire you to get cooking! They truly demonstrate how easy and enjoyable it can be to prepare wholesome, delicious meals, even when time is tight. Whether you’re craving the bold kick of Buffalo chicken or the creamy goodness of spinach dip, these pizzas are sure to become a new favorite in your healthy recipe repertoire. Don’t forget to visit the Flatout bread store locator to find a retailer near you and start your pizza adventure today! Happy cooking!