Pizza, the beloved culinary canvas, offers endless possibilities for toppings. But few ingredients bring as much depth and flavour as mushrooms.
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a loaded meat lover’s pie, shrooms can elevate your pizza experience to new heights. Here, we delve into the world of pizza mushrooms and uncover the top five varieties that will take your pizza from ordinary to extraordinary.
1. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent choice for pizza due to their robust flavour and meaty texture, which adds depth and richness to the dish.
Their rich taste pairs well with other ingredients commonly found on pizza, such as cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs.
Also, shiitakes have a firm texture that holds up well to baking, ensuring they maintain their satisfying chewiness.
2. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms make a fantastic addition to pizza thanks to their delicate texture and subtle, nutty taste. Their tender yet meaty consistency provides a pleasant contrast to the crust and other toppings you find on pizza. In fact, Oyster mushrooms absorb the flavours of the pizza, adding depth without overpowering other ingredients.
3. Cremini Mushrooms
Also known as baby bella mushrooms, creminis are a popular choice for pizza lovers. These little brown mushrooms boast a meaty texture and a rich, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. Some people prefer to slice them thinly or dice them into hearty chunks. It doesn’t matter. Creminis add depth and complexity to any pizza ensemble. They particularly shine alongside savoury ingredients like pepperoni, sausage, or caramelized onions.
4. Portobello Mushrooms
When it comes to size and flavour, portobello shrooms reign supreme. These large, meaty fungi are a favourite among pizza enthusiasts for their robust taste and substantial texture. Whether grilled and sliced thinly or used whole as a hearty base, portobellos add a satisfying chewiness to any pizza. They’re perfect for those seeking a more substantial and satisfying slice.
5. Chanterelle Mushrooms
With their golden hue and delicate, fruity aroma, chanterelle are a delightful addition to any pizza. And my favorite too. These mushrooms boast a subtle, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.
It doesn’t matter if you decide to sout them or just scatter across the pizza whole, chanterelles add a touch of elegance to any pizza creation. They particularly shine alongside ingredients like prosciutto, arugula, or truffle oil. Give it a try, you won’t regret it for sure.
What is The Best Pizza Mushroom?
Cremini mushrooms offer a meaty texture and rich, earthy flavour, while portobellos provide a substantial chewiness perfect for hearty pizza creations.
Shiitake mushrooms, on the other hand, bring a savoury depth with their distinct umami flavour, while oyster mushrooms offer a lighter, more delicate touch. Lastly, chanterelle mushrooms add elegance and sophistication with their golden hue and subtle, nutty aroma.
It’s evident that each mushroom brings its own unique qualities to the table. Thus, the definition of the “best” pizza mushroom may vary depending on personal taste preferences. The best one is always the one that suits you the best.
How To Prepare Mushrooms For Pizza?
Preparing mushrooms for pizza is quite simple and can add a delicious flavor if you stick with the following steps:
- Selecting Mushrooms: Choose fresh mushrooms like button, cremini, portobello, or shiitake. Clean them properly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Slicing: Slice the mushrooms thinly or according to your preference. You can slice them into rounds or cut them into quarters.
- Sauteing: While not absolutely necessary, sautéing mushrooms before putting them on the pizza can enhance their flavor and remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy pizza. Heat a bit of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they’re golden brown and any liquid released has evaporated. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices like garlic powder or thyme.
- Seasoning: Season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices like garlic powder or thyme. This adds flavor to the mushrooms and enhances the overall taste of the pizza.
- Cooling: Allow the sautéed mushrooms to cool slightly before adding them on. This prevents them from releasing excess moisture onto the pizza dough.
- Assembling Pizza: Once your pizza dough is ready and stretched out on a baking sheet or pizza stone, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Then, evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms on top of the sauce.
- Baking: Bake the pizza according to your recipe’s instructions or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
Do You Cook Mushrooms Before Putting On Pizza
Cooking mushrooms before putting them on pizza is optional, but it can enhance their flavour and texture. Here are the main reasons why you might want to cook shrooms before adding them:
- Enhanced Flavor: Cooking mushrooms caramelizes their natural sugars and intensifies their flavour. This can add depth to your pizza and make the mushrooms taste richer.
- Reduced Moisture: Shrooms contain a lot of moisture, which can make your pizza soggy if they’re not cooked beforehand. Sautéing them removes some of this moisture, preventing your dough from becoming too wet.
- Improved Texture: Cooking mushrooms before adding them to the pizza can give them a firmer texture, which some people prefer over raw mushrooms.
Can You Put Fresh Mushrooms On Pizza?
Yes, you can absolutely put fresh mushrooms on pizza. In fact, many pizza aficionados prefer using fresh mushrooms for their pizzas as they provide a vibrant flavour and texture. Fresh shrooms add a delicious earthiness to pizzas and can be sliced thinly or chopped and scattered across the dough before baking.
To ensure that the mushrooms cook properly and release their moisture without making the pizza soggy, it’s a good idea to sauté them lightly in a pan with a bit of olive oil and seasoning before adding them to the pizza. This pre-cooking step also helps enhance the mushrooms’ flavour and prevents them from releasing excess moisture onto the pizza during baking.
