Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a popular pizza topping, but the type of mushroom you use can make all the difference in the overall taste of the pizza. The most common types of mushrooms used on pizza are button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, portabella mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and morel mushrooms. Button mushrooms are small, white, and round-topped, and can be sautéed with garlic, salt, and olive oil before being added to a pizza. Shiitake mushrooms have a distinctive flavor that can be an acquired taste, but they can be a tasty addition to a pizza with red onion, sour cream, and gorgonzola. Portabella mushrooms have a chewy, meaty texture and a smoky, earthy flavor, making them a good pairing with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Cremini mushrooms are mid-sized and can be chopped and sautéed before being scattered across a pizza. Finally, morel mushrooms are foraged in the wild and can be pan-fried in butter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Mushrooms | Button, Shiitake, Portabella, Cremini, Morel |
| Preparation | Sautéed, Pan-fried, Grilled |
| Pairings | Spinach, Parmesan, Fresh Herbs, Mozzarella, Goats Cheese, Red Onion, Sour Cream, Gorgonzola, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Thyme, Butter |
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What You'll Learn
Common button mushrooms
Button mushrooms are often described as "mild", and their flavour intensifies as they cook, making them a perfect choice for pizza. They are also versatile and can be used alongside other mushrooms such as shiitake, or portabella/portobello mushrooms.
Button mushrooms are also known as Agaricus bisporus, and are genetically the same as white button, cremini, baby bella, and portabella mushrooms, despite the differences in size and colour.
When using button mushrooms on a pizza, they can be tossed in a pan with garlic, oil, and fresh herbs such as parsley, before being scattered on top of the pizza base with mozzarella, goats cheese, and herbs. They can also be used on a plant-based pizza, or with a meat topping such as salami.
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Shiitake mushrooms
- Preheat your oven to 550°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
- Shape your pizza dough into a circular shape by stretching it with your hands or using a rolling pin.
- Brush the crust with olive oil and dot with taleggio.
- Remove the thyme stems from the shiitake mushrooms, leaving the leaves.
- Scatter the shiitake mushrooms and garlic over the crust evenly.
- Bake the pizza until the crust is browned and the cheese has melted, about 6-10 minutes.
Another recipe idea is to pair shiitake mushrooms with thyme on a thin crust pizza. To prepare the shiitake mushrooms, sauté them with butter, salt, garlic, and half the thyme until lightly browned. Then, follow these steps:
- Divide your dough into three equal parts, shape them into balls, and cover with olive oil.
- Refrigerate for 24-36 hours, then let the dough rest outside the refrigerator for at least an hour to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F.
- Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil and place the dough on it.
- Drizzle the dough with olive oil, smear with pizza sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan.
- Add the shiitake mushrooms, garlic, jalapeno, and mozzarella. Sprinkle with parmesan again.
- Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and bake in the oven for 6 minutes on the bottom rack, then 6 minutes on the middle rack.
- Garnish with the remaining thyme and crushed red pepper chili flakes.
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Portabella mushrooms
When using portabella mushrooms as a pizza base, it is important to remove any excess moisture to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. This can be done by pre-baking the mushrooms, placing them on a wire rack in the oven, or using little foil donuts to keep them elevated. Cooking the mushrooms gill-side down can also help to reduce wateriness.
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Cremini mushrooms
To sauté cremini mushrooms, heat olive oil in a pan to medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, herbs, and salt, and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the mushrooms are tender, reduce the heat and add lemon juice.
Roasting cremini mushrooms in a hot oven before adding them to a pizza can also help to concentrate their flavour. To roast, spread the mushrooms in an even layer on a baking sheet and place in the oven at 500-550°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are browned.
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Fresh vs dried mushrooms
When it comes to mushrooms on pizza, there are a variety of options to choose from, including button, cremini, shiitake, oyster, chanterelle, and portobello mushrooms. While some people prefer to use canned or dried mushrooms on their pizzas, others opt for fresh mushrooms to enhance the taste and texture of their pies.
Fresh mushrooms offer a more intense flavor and a juicier texture compared to dried mushrooms. When used on pizza, fresh mushrooms can provide a burst of umami that complements the other ingredients. However, they can also release moisture during cooking, which can affect the crispness of the crust. To mitigate this, some people choose to precook their mushrooms by sautéing them before placing them on the pizza. This technique not only reduces moisture but also enhances the flavor of the mushrooms by browning them and allowing them to absorb additional seasonings.
On the other hand, dried mushrooms have a more concentrated flavor and a chewier texture. They are often reconstituted by soaking them in water before use, which can make them plumper and juicier. Dried mushrooms may be preferred by those who want a more intense mushroom flavor without the risk of sogginess. Additionally, dried mushrooms can be more convenient as they have a longer shelf life and don't require the same level of preparation as fresh mushrooms.
Ultimately, the decision between fresh and dried mushrooms on pizza comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome. Fresh mushrooms offer a more vibrant and juicy option, while dried mushrooms provide a more intense and chewy experience. Both types can be delicious when prepared correctly, and experimenting with different varieties and cooking methods can lead to unique and tasty pizza creations.
When preparing fresh mushrooms for pizza, it is recommended to clean and slice them to the desired thickness. Thicker slices will retain more moisture and provide a meatier texture, while thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier. Cooking methods such as sautéing in oil or butter with herbs and spices can enhance the flavor and reduce moisture content before placing them on the pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Button, shiitake, portabella, cremini, and morel mushrooms are all popular choices for pizza toppings.
Mushrooms should be cooked before being put on a pizza. They can be sautéed with garlic, salt, and olive oil, or pan-fried in butter with thyme and a sprinkle of salt.
Shiitake mushrooms go well with red onion, sour cream, and gorgonzola. Mushrooms also pair well with spinach, parmesan, and fresh herbs. For a more indulgent option, try mushrooms with mozzarella, goat cheese, and herbs.
Yes, grilled portobello mushrooms can be used as a succulent plant-based pizza base alternative.
