You know my love affair with pizza runs deep, and this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza is next-level delicious. It’s earthy, cheesy, and a total crowd-pleaser. I can put down 2 by myself, no questions asked.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This pizza is the definition of cozy California cooking. The wild mushrooms get caramelized until golden and jammy, and then they’re layered with creamy mozzarella, nutty fontina, and tangy goat cheese. The thyme on top adds just the right amount of freshness and the flaky salt gives it that chef’s kiss finish. I love it because Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza feels a little fancy without being fussy, and it’s the perfect way to use seasonal mushrooms.
Here’s the thing about mushrooms: they need lots of heat, plenty of fat, and a sturdy heavy bottom pan. And you have to cook them until they are deeply caramelized, none of those wimpy, flimsy mushrooms here thankyouverymuch. Once you’ve cooked them to perfection, the flavor completely changes and they become fair game for just about anything… but especially pizza.
And let’s talk about this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza: it’s a perfect. It’s topped with not one, not two, but three kinds of cheese for maximum flavor. Mozzarella, fontina, and goat cheese give you creamy, melty, tangy perfection in every single bite. You’re going to want this one on repeat.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Wild mushrooms (any mix you love)
- Olive oil
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Garlic
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fontina cheese (or provolone)
- Goat cheese
- Fresh thyme
- Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make
- Caramelize the mushrooms: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and caramelized. Season with salt. Drain any excess liquid if needed. Set aside.
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roll or stretch the dough into a thin round and place it on a well-oiled baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake for 8 minutes.
- Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven. Scatter the garlic, mozzarella, fontina, and caramelized mushrooms evenly over the top.
- Bake: Return the Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza to the oven and bake for 6 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is golden.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, fresh thyme leaves, flaky salt, and black pepper. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain your mushrooms: If they release too much liquid while cooking, just drain it off and keep sautéing until caramelized. That’s where the flavor lives.
- Hot oven = crispy crust: Don’t skimp on preheating your oven to 450°F. A hot oven makes all the difference for getting that golden, bubbly crust.
- Cheese swap: Not a goat cheese fan? Try ricotta or burrata for a milder finish on this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza.
- Short on time: Use pre-made naan or flatbread instead of pizza dough for a weeknight shortcut.
- Get ahead: Caramelize your mushrooms a day or two in advance and store in the fridge until pizza night.
FAQ's
Can I use regular mushrooms instead of wild mushrooms?
Yes! Baby bellas, cremini, or even white button mushrooms will still taste amazing.
Do I need a pizza stone?
Nope. A baking sheet works perfectly, just make sure it’s well-oiled so the crust doesn’t stick.
Can I grill this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza?
Absolutely. Just par-grill the dough first, then add toppings and finish cooking over medium heat until the cheese melts.
Similar Recipes
Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pizza
Ingredients
For the wild mushrooms
- 1 lb wild mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza
- ½ pound pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- ¾ cup fresh mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1 cup caramelized wild mushrooms from above
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
For the wild mushrooms
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and caramelized. Season with salt. Drain any excess liquid if needed. Set aside.
For the pizza
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roll or stretch the dough into a thin round and place it on a well-oiled baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake for 8 minutes.
- Remove the crust from the oven. Scatter the garlic, mozzarella, fontina, and caramelized mushrooms evenly over the top
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 6 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is golden.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, fresh thyme leaves, flaky salt, and black pepper. Slice and serve immediately.
Thanks for this tasty recipe! I came home with a few pounds of wild mushrooms yesterday and was too tired to do much with them so pizza seemed easiest. I used mozzarella and parmesan since that's what I had and, since I use a pizza stone, I only baked the crust once with everything on it, but it was a delicious way to use my prizes and really showed them off. I'm sure I'll make this many more times.
Just made this pizza yesterday in a cooking class at a neighborhood market. Having been in the pizza business for a number of years, I am very particular about my pizza, but I must say, this was delicious. I will absolutely make it again with my Grandchildren, who luv mushrooms & different cheeses. I suspect this will become a family favorite.
Would it work if I bake the goat cheese with the rest of the cheeses? Or better to just top it off at the end like you said?
you could bake it! But I prefer it uncooked
What flour do you use in your pizza dough!?
all purpose!
We love homemade pizza! It's a staple in our house! Definitely need to make this happen!
This looks fab! And what Alton Brown - one of my faves! Going to listen to it now.
This looks insane!!! Ok, I'm off to listen to that podcast!!!
This is calling my name!
Love mushroom pizza!!
I needed this tutorial on how to cook better mushrooms!! This pizza really looks like it will hit the spot.