Save It Transform a basic frozen pizza into a flavorful, gourmet-style meal with the addition of canned mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a generous layer of extra cheese. This easy upgrade delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes at home.
I started adding mushrooms and extra cheese to frozen pizzas during busy weeks when quick comfort food was a must. Soon it became my go-to solution for movie nights, and now it's a staple I recommend to friends looking to boost their pizzas without fuss.
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza: 1 (any style, e.g., Margherita or cheese)
- Canned mushrooms: 1 cup (150 g), drained and sliced
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g) or pizza cheese blend
- Dried oregano: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
- Olive oil (optional): 1 tablespoon, for drizzling
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven according to the frozen pizza package instructions (typically 220°C/425°F).
- Prep pizza base:
- Remove the frozen pizza from packaging and place it on a baking tray or pizza stone.
- Add mushrooms:
- Evenly distribute drained mushrooms over the pizza.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the entire pizza, covering mushrooms and existing toppings.
- Season:
- Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil (optional):
- If desired, drizzle olive oil for richer flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for the time indicated on the package, usually 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & serve:
- Remove pizza from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Save It This mushroom and cheese pizza is a hit at our family gatherings, with everyone adding their favorite herbs and toppings before baking. It's fun watching kids drizzle olive oil and sprinkle herbs, then proudly serve their version to the table.
Required Tools
You will need an oven, baking tray or pizza stone, knife, and optionally a cutting board for garnishes.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten (in pizza base) and milk (cheese). Check all packaging labels for soy or egg if you have specific allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving: 380 calories, 17 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein. Nutritive values are approximate and vary with pizza and toppings used.
Save It The result is a crispy-edge, gooey-centered pizza that surprises with rich flavor. Serve hot for best taste and enjoy every cheesy bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mushrooms can be sliced and sautéed briefly before adding to ensure they cook well and release moisture properly on the pizza.
- → What herbs work best for flavor?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme provide classic Italian herb flavors that complement the mushrooms and cheese beautifully.
- → Is it necessary to drizzle olive oil before baking?
Olive oil adds extra richness and helps herbs release more aroma but can be omitted if preferred.
- → How do I ensure the extra cheese melts evenly?
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the toppings and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- → Can this be made vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
Use vegetarian or vegan cheese alternatives and verify toppings to keep the dish suitable for all diets.
- → What side dishes pair well with this pizza upgrade?
A crisp green salad and a glass of Italian red wine complement the flavors and balance the meal nicely.