Padana from PizzaExpress features creamy gorgonzola cheese, fresh spinach, and sweet caramelized onions atop a thin, crispy pizza crust, delivering a rich and savory flavor with a delightful balance of textures.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Oven
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 ball (approx. 250g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pizza sauce
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach leaves
- 2 medium onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Fresh spinach leaves should be washed thoroughly and patted dry to prevent excess moisture, which can make your pizza soggy. Use sweet caramelized onions to enhance the pizza's flavor; slowly cook sliced onions with olive oil and sugar until they turn golden brown. Crumbled gorgonzola cheese must be evenly distributed to achieve the creamy, tangy taste typical of the Padana pizza. Dust your pizza peel or baking tray with cornmeal or flour to prevent the dough from sticking during rolling and transferring. Your homemade Padana from PizzaExpress copycat menu will capture the signature rich and savory taste with a perfectly balanced texture.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°C (480°F) with pizza stone or baking tray inside.
- Thinly slice onions.
- Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions, sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Cook onions, stirring frequently, until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
- Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to desired thinness.
- Dust pizza peel or baking tray with cornmeal or flour.
- Place rolled dough onto prepared peel or tray.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Distribute caramelized onions evenly over the cheese.
- Add fresh spinach leaves on top.
- Sprinkle crumbled gorgonzola cheese over everything.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Brush crust edges lightly with olive oil using pastry brush.
- Transfer pizza to preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, let cool briefly, then slice and serve.
Substitution
Padana from PizzaExpress copycat menu combines creamy gorgonzola cheese, tender spinach, and sweet caramelized onions on a thin, crispy crust for a rich and balanced flavor. If you don't have gorgonzola, blue cheese or feta can serve as effective substitutes without losing the distinctive tang. When caramelizing onions, use medium heat and patience to achieve softness and sweetness, enhancing overall taste. You can prepare the pizza on a preheated pizza stone for a crispier base or on a baking tray if a stone is unavailable. Dusting your work surface with cornmeal or flour prevents sticking, making dough handling easier.
Tips
Make sure your oven and pizza stone or baking tray are fully preheated to 250degC (480degF) before baking for a perfectly crispy crust. When caramelizing onions, stir frequently and cook slowly for 15-20 minutes to develop their sweet, deep flavor without burning. Dust your work surface and baking equipment with cornmeal or flour to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling and transferring. You'll achieve the best balance of creamy gorgonzola, fresh spinach, and sweet onions by adding these toppings in the correct order before baking.
Nutritions
Padana from PizzaExpress provides a nutrient-rich combination of calcium and protein from creamy gorgonzola and mozzarella cheeses, essential for bone health and muscle repair. Fresh spinach adds a significant amount of iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants, supporting your immune system and eye health. Caramelized onions contribute natural sugars and fiber, aiding digestion and providing a subtle sweetness without refined sugars. The thin, crispy pizza crust offers carbohydrates for energy, making this pizza a balanced meal option when enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
To store your Padana pizza, wrap any leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent the crust from drying out. Place the wrapped pizza in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven at 180degC (350degF) on a pizza stone or baking tray to restore the crispiness while warming the cheese evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap the fresh spinach with arugula or kale for a peppery or earthier flavor that pairs well with the creamy gorgonzola. Replace the caramelized onions with caramelized shallots or roasted garlic to introduce a sweeter or more subtle, aromatic dimension. Use a blend of mozzarella and fontina cheese instead of just mozzarella to enhance the meltiness and add a nuttier taste. You can also experiment with brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for an extra burst of flavor before baking.
Allergies
Padana from PizzaExpress contains dairy ingredients such as mozzarella and gorgonzola cheeses, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The pizza dough typically contains wheat gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You should avoid this dish if you have any of these common food allergies to prevent adverse health effects.
Why this recipe?
The Padana menu from PizzaExpress is praised for its authentic Italian flavors, featuring fresh buffalo mozzarella, Parma ham, and a blend of ripe tomatoes that create a rich and savory taste experience. Many customers appreciate its balanced combination of high-quality ingredients and innovative toppings that deliver a unique twist on traditional pizza. Recreating the Padana at home allows you to enjoy a gourmet Italian meal tailored to your taste preferences while saving on restaurant costs. Trying the copycat recipe enables you to capture the essence of PizzaExpress's signature dish and impress friends with your culinary skills.