Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are one of the most popular pizza toppings globally, complementing other toppings such as meat, cheese, onions, and olives. They are also one of the most nutritious toppings, providing vitamin C, protein, and a boost to your immune system. While any mushroom will work, some of the most popular varieties used on pizzas include Portobello, Chanterelles, Porcini, and Truffle. Before placing them on a pizza, it is recommended to cook mushrooms by sautéing them in olive oil with garlic and onions to prevent them from drying out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Types | Portobello, Chanterelles, Porcini, Truffle, Shiitake, Cremini, Button, Oyster, Maitake |
| Mushroom Preparation | Sautéed, brushed with olive oil, cooked with herbs and lemon juice, roasted |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, goat cheese, Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, feta, ricotta, Gorgonzola, Manchengo |
| Other Toppings | Onions, kale, meat, olives, cherry tomatoes, herbs, garlic |
| Sauce | Tomato sauce, no-cook marinara sauce, white sauce |
| Dough | Homemade, store-bought |
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What You'll Learn
Sauté the mushrooms first
Sautéing mushrooms before putting them on a pizza is a great way to prevent a soggy pizza. Mushrooms have a high water content, and cooking them beforehand helps to remove excess water. This is especially important if you're using a pizza oven, as the heat will extract the moisture from the raw mushrooms, leaving you with a soupy pizza.
To sauté mushrooms for pizza, start by cleaning your mushrooms with a paper towel and slicing them into quarter-inch-thick pieces. Next, heat a pan to medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, glossy, and fragrant. This should take around 4 to 10 minutes. You can also add salt, pepper, and dried basil to taste. If the mixture starts to look dry, add another tablespoon of olive oil and continue to stir.
Some recipes suggest adding minced garlic and thinly sliced onions to the mushrooms while sautéing, creating an even deeper flavor. You can also experiment with adding herbs and lemon juice to the mushrooms as they cook.
Once your mushrooms are sautéed, you can add them to your pizza. Start by spreading your sauce over the dough, right to the edge. Then, add your cheese, and distribute the mushrooms evenly on top. Finally, add any other desired toppings and bake your pizza until the cheese and crust are browned and crispy.
Sautéing mushrooms is a simple way to enhance the flavor and texture of your pizza, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable dining experience.
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Choose your mushroom variety
Mushrooms are a versatile topping for pizzas, with a variety of types to choose from, each offering a unique flavour and texture. The most popular mushroom varieties for pizzas include Portobello, Chanterelle, Porcini, Truffle, Shiitake, Cremini, Button, and Oyster mushrooms.
Portobello mushrooms are a popular choice for vegetarian pizzas as they have a meaty flavour when cooked. They are also low in carbs and calories while being rich in fibre, protein, and antioxidants. Chanterelle mushrooms have a fruity aroma and a mild peppery taste. They pair well with sweet meats like ham or pork and black or white pepper. Porcini mushrooms are another excellent option for pizzas as they are versatile, have a high protein content, and add an earthy, woody flavour to the dish.
For those who enjoy a pungent, garlicky flavour, Truffle mushrooms are a great choice. They are one of the most expensive edible mushrooms and are highly sought after. Shiitake mushrooms are another delicious option, and Cremini, Button, and Oyster mushrooms can also be experimented with.
When choosing mushroom varieties for your pizza, consider the flavour profiles and how they will complement the other toppings. For example, Portobello mushrooms pair well with other meat-free toppings, while Chanterelle mushrooms enhance the flavour of sweet meats. Porcini mushrooms go well with Spanish ingredients, and Truffle mushrooms are a good option for vegetarians. Ultimately, the choice of mushroom variety depends on your personal preference and the overall flavour combination you wish to create.
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Use a simple sauce
If you're making a mushroom pizza, it's best to keep the sauce simple. This is because mushrooms have a pungent flavour that can be easily overpowered by too many other ingredients. A basic tomato sauce is a good option, as it will complement the mushrooms without overwhelming them. You can make a simple tomato sauce by combining tomatoes, garlic, oil, and a little salt. This no-cook marinara sauce is a great option for mushroom pizzas, as it has a very subtle flavour that won't overpower the mushrooms.
Another option for a simple sauce is to brush the crust with olive oil. This will give your pizza a more subtle flavour and allow the taste of the mushrooms to shine through. You can also add some herbs and lemon juice to the mushrooms before sautéing them, which will give your pizza a more complex flavour without overwhelming the mushrooms.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can't go wrong with a classic pizza sauce. This type of sauce is usually made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and it has a rich, tangy flavour that pairs well with mushrooms. You can make your own pizza sauce or buy a store-bought variety.
Finally, if you're looking for a sauce that's a little more unique, you might want to try a white sauce. White sauce is often made with cheese, milk, and butter, and it has a rich, creamy flavour that can complement the mushrooms nicely. You can also add herbs and other seasonings to a white sauce to give it a more complex flavour.
No matter which sauce you choose, the key to making a great mushroom pizza is to find a balance of flavours that complement each other without overwhelming the delicate taste of the mushrooms.
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Select complementary toppings
Mushrooms are a versatile pizza topping that can complement a wide range of other toppings. Here are some tips for selecting complementary toppings for a mushroom pizza:
Cheese
Mushrooms pair well with a variety of cheeses. Classic options include mozzarella, goat cheese, and parmesan. For a tangier flavour, you can also try feta, ricotta, or blue cheese like Gorgonzola. If you're looking for something a little sweeter, go for Alpine cheeses like Gruyere or aged Gouda. These sweeter cheeses play well with the earthy, umami flavours of mushrooms.
Herbs
Fresh herbs can add a lot of flavour to a mushroom pizza. Chives, thyme, oregano, and basil are all excellent choices. You can also experiment with other herbs such as tarragon, lemon balm, or parsley. Just be cautious when using rosemary, as its strong flavour can easily overpower the mushrooms.
Meat
If you're a meat-lover, mushrooms can complement a variety of meat toppings. For a classic option, try pepperoni or Italian sausage. If you're feeling adventurous, pair your mushrooms with sweet meats like ham or pork, along with black or white pepper. Portobello mushrooms, in particular, can be used as a meat substitute on vegetarian pizzas due to their meaty flavour when cooked.
Vegetables
Mushrooms go well with a variety of vegetables, including onions, kale, and olives. Caramelised onions, in particular, can add a sweet and savoury dimension to your pizza. If you're looking for a more gourmet option, try tomato confit.
Sauces
While mushroom pizzas can be made with or without tomato sauce, a simple marinara sauce can complement the mushrooms nicely. You can also experiment with white sauce or pesto for a different flavour profile.
Other toppings
To take your mushroom pizza to the next level, consider adding toppings like truffle oil, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms, each of which will bring its unique flavour and texture to the pizza.
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Bake for 5-10 minutes
When making a mushroom pizza, it is recommended that you cook the mushrooms before putting them on top of the pizza. Sautéing the mushrooms in olive oil with herbs, garlic, and lemon juice ensures they are juicy and seasoned. You can also add onions and meat to the pan for extra flavour.
Once you have prepared your dough, sauce, and toppings, you are ready to bake your pizza. Place your pizza in the centre of the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, with some taking a minute or two less, and others a minute or two more. You can also use a pizza oven, which will only take about 3 minutes.
For a Portobello mushroom pizza, preheat your oven to 450°F and coat a baking sheet with olive oil. Spread a mixture of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic on the Portobello mushrooms. Then, add the pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the mushrooms are slightly softened and the cheese is melted.
If you are using a pizza stone, preheat your oven to 500°F and dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. Stretch your dough into a circle and place it on the pizza peel. Brush the crust with olive oil and top with mozzarella cheese, cooked mushrooms, and goat cheese. Sprinkle with kosher salt and use the pizza peel to transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese and crust are nicely browned.
Once your pizza is baked, let it sit for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a variety of mushrooms as toppings, including Portobello, Chanterelles, Porcini, Truffle, Shiitake, Cremini, Button, Oyster, and Maitake.
It is recommended to cook the mushrooms before adding them to your pizza. You can sauté them in olive oil with garlic, onions, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice. This ensures they are juicy, seasoned, and don't dry out during baking.
Mushrooms complement a variety of toppings such as meat, cheese, onions, and olives. For a vegetarian option, pair mushrooms with other vegetables or cheese like mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta. For non-vegetarians, truffles go well with roasted meat.
You can use a traditional tomato-based pizza sauce or opt for a white pizza without sauce. If using a sauce, keep it simple to let the mushroom flavor shine through. A no-cook marinara sauce with tomatoes, garlic, oil, and salt can work well.
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