Mushrooms are definitely an acquired taste. Some love it, others hate it, but those who love it, love it a lot!
They are also a classic and beloved topping for pizza, offering a rich, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese, tomato sauce, and a variety of other ingredients.
Preparing mushrooms for pizza can be simple, but there are specific techniques and tips to ensure they enhance your pizza perfectly without turning soggy or losing their flavor. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to prepare mushrooms for pizza.
1. Choosing the Right Mushrooms
The first step in preparing mushrooms for pizza is selecting the right type. While many varieties of mushrooms can be used, some of the most popular and flavorful options are listed below.
White Button Mushrooms are the most common and affordable. They have a mild flavor and firm texture, making them a versatile choice.
Cremini (Baby Bella) Mushrooms have a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms and are slightly firmer, making them excellent for pizzas.
Portobello Mushrooms are large and meaty. They offer a robust, earthy flavor. They're perfect for adding a substantial texture to your pizza.
Shiitake Mushrooms are known for their rich, smoky flavor. They can add a unique twist to your pizza.
Oyster Mushrooms have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture.
But you don't have to stick to this list of mushrooms either. If you have another mushroom type that you love to eat, then go ahead and try it on your pizza. You never know - you might start a new trend on TikTok.
2. Mushroom Cleaning
Mushrooms grow in the dirt and the ground. Properly cleaning mushrooms is crucial to remove any dirt and debris. Here's how to do it.
Use a soft brush or a paper towel to gently brush off any dirt. This method is preferred as mushrooms can absorb water, which can lead to a soggy texture when cooked.
If the mushrooms are very dirty, you can give them a quick rinse under cold water. Immediately dry them thoroughly with paper towels to prevent them from absorbing too much water.
Avoid soaking mushrooms in water, as they act like sponges and can become waterlogged, which is undesirable for pizza toppings.
3. Mushroom Slicing
The way you slice your mushrooms can affect their texture and cooking time. There are 2 different ways you could "slice" it (pun intended).
Thin Slices
For a delicate, even cook, slice mushrooms thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). Thin slices cook quickly and evenly, perfect for pizzas that bake in a short amount of time.
Thicker Slices
If you prefer a more substantial bite, slice mushrooms thicker (about 1/4-inch thick). Thicker slices retain more moisture and flavor but may require a longer cooking time.
Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even slices, which helps them cook uniformly. Be careful while cutting the mushrooms, as they are quite slippery and you don't want to accidentally injure your fingers in the process.
4. Pre-cooking the Mushrooms
To prevent mushrooms from releasing too much moisture on your pizza, which can make the crust soggy, it's a good idea to pre-cook them. You could either saute them or roast them. It depends on your preference.
Try both and see which one suits your palate best.
Sautéing
Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
Once the pan is hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Sauté the mushrooms until they release moisture and become browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic or herbs for additional flavor.
Roasting
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Spread the sliced mushrooms in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the wood-fired oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and have released most of their moisture. Stir halfway through cooking.
Both methods help concentrate the mushrooms' flavors and reduce excess moisture, ensuring they enhance your pizza without making it soggy.
5. Adding Mushrooms to Your Pizza
Once your mushrooms are pre-cooked, it's time to add them to your pizza.
Ensure the mushrooms are evenly distributed across the pizza to guarantee every slice gets a good amount of mushroom flavor.
Mushrooms pair well with other toppings, such as onions, bell peppers, sausage, pepperoni, spinach, and cheeses. Be creative with your combinations.
And don't be afraid to experiment. The best thing about pizza is that you can't truly go wrong with the toppings.
You can place mushrooms directly on the tomato sauce and then cover them with cheese, or you can add them on top of the cheese for a roasted appearance.
6. Baking the Pizza
Bake your pizza according to your dough and oven specifications, typically at a high temperature (around 475-500°F or 245-260°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Since the mushrooms are pre-cooked, they will not release excess moisture, and their flavors will meld beautifully with the other ingredients.
7. Finishing Touches
After baking, consider adding a few finishing touches to elevate your mushroom pizza. Again, it depends on your flavor choices and the toppings you have used. Here are some additional pizza preparation tips:
- Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano
- Drizzle a bit of truffle oil for an extra layer of earthy flavor
- Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the top
- Use a pizza oven accessory kit - the right tools make a difference
Now You Know How to Prepare Mushrooms for Pizza
Don't be shy or anxious when using mushrooms for pizza. With their delicious umami flavor, they will bring that extra pizzazz to your pizza.
Now that you know how to prepare mushrooms for pizza, you won't get a soggy pizza or mushrooms that aren't cooked through.
Need more help with cooking the perfect pizza? Crustify has many pizza ovens to suit your outdoor kitchen where you can cook your pizza without worrying about undercooking or burning it.
We sell built-in ovens, freestanding ones, and countertop ovens. Check out our online catalog to see which fits your space best.
