Name: Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough; 1/4 cup your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 16 ounces assorted mushrooms, sliced or roughly chopped (such as cremini, shiitake, button); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup baby radish sprouts; Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme leaves, roughly chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of earthy flavors and crave a pizza that feels both rustic and refined, then this Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza will become your new go-to favorite. Picture a golden, crispy crust layered with vibrant pesto, a melty blanket of mozzarella and parmesan, and a luscious medley of sautéed wild mushrooms seasoned to perfection. Each bite is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, enhanced by fresh herbs and peppery radish sprouts that add just the right touch of brightness. Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a cozy, gourmet twist right into your kitchen.

Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza are straightforward but absolutely essential, working together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color that is hard to resist. From the earthy mushrooms to the fresh herbs, each component brings its own unique character to the table.

Pizza dough: A 12-inch rolled dough forms the perfect crispy and chewy base for all those delicious toppings.
Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade variety to add vibrant herbal flavor and a touch of creaminess.
Assorted mushrooms (16 ounces): A mix of wild mushrooms sliced or chopped roughly gives a deep, earthy flavor and varied textures.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that infuses the mushrooms beautifully.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Brings a classic Italian herb mix that perfectly complements the mushrooms and pesto.
Coarse salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, grated): Melts into a gooey, delightful layer that’s every bit as comforting as it sounds.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Provides a sharp, nutty layer that complements the mozzarella and mushrooms.
Baby radish sprouts (1/4 cup): Bring a peppery crunch and striking color as a fresh garnish.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing mushrooms and drizzling at the end for richness.
Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme leaves: Roughly chopped for a fragrant herbal finish that makes every slice special.

How to Make Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures a wonderfully crisp crust. Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle — aim for an even thickness so it bakes uniformly. Once shaped, pop the dough in the refrigerator to chill, which helps keep the dough firm and easier to handle during the topping stage.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the dough chills, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the mixed wild mushrooms, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir them gently until the mushrooms soften and release their wonderful earthy aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the mushrooms and set them aside—this method keeps your mushrooms flavorful but not soggy, ready for that perfect pizza topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Take the dough out of the refrigerator and spread the pesto evenly over the surface, leaving a small border free around the edges so the crust can rise and crisp beautifully. Next, sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously over the pesto to create a gooey, melty base for your mushroom topping. Finally, evenly distribute the cooked mushrooms on top — this layering ensures that every bite has a balanced flavor profile.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pizza to a round pizza pan or a baking sheet and place it on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling, and the crust glistens with golden-brown perfection. This step is the magic transformation where all your ingredients mingle into a delectable masterpiece.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pizza with your freshly chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme leaves, plus a scattering of peppery baby radish sprouts for a pop of color and lively texture. For a final flourish, drizzle extra pesto over the top if you want to ramp up the zing. Slice it up, serve warm, and watch your friends’ eyes light up.

How to Serve Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza

Garnishes

The fresh herbs and radish sprouts not only add a stunning visual contrast but their bright, aromatic qualities bring the pizza to life on the palate. Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an unexpected but delightful twist.

Side Dishes

Serve your Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness or a bowl of roasted garlic and herb soup for a comforting, rustic meal that complements those mushroom flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, turn your Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza into a shareable feast by cutting it into smaller, bite-sized squares and serving it on a wooden board with bowls of extra pesto, olives, and pickled vegetables on the side. It’s a conversation starter and a showstopper all in one.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any uneaten pizza in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The pesto and mushroom topping hold their flavor well, making for an excellent next-day meal or snack.

Freezing

If you want to save some pizza for even longer, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. This protects the delicate pesto and cheese while locking in freshness. Frozen pizza slices can last up to 2 months and are perfect for quick meals.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place leftover slices in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp up the crust, then cover and warm until the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaves if you want to maintain that deliciously crisp crust and fresh toppings.

FAQs

Can I use any type of mushrooms for this pizza?

Absolutely! While a mix of wild mushrooms delivers the best earthy flavor and texture variation, common varieties like cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms will also work wonderfully.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Chilling the rolled dough helps prevent it from shrinking during baking and makes it easier to handle when spreading the pesto and toppings. It’s a simple step that noticeably improves the final texture.

Can I substitute the pesto with another sauce?

You can experiment with other sauces like a classic tomato base or even a white garlic sauce, but the signature flavor and vibrancy of Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza come from that herby, fragrant pesto foundation.

What’s the best cheese combination for this pizza?

Mozzarella provides that melty, gooey texture, while parmesan adds a sharp, nutty depth. Together they complement the mushrooms and pesto perfectly, but feel free to add fontina or gruyere for a richer twist.

How do I keep the pizza crust crispy after baking?

To maintain a crispy crust, avoid covering the hot pizza with foil or plastic right after baking. Instead, let it cool slightly on a wire rack to let steam escape and keep the crust delightfully crunchy.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing this Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza is like giving yourself and your loved ones a warm, flavorful hug on a plate. With its rustic charm, vibrant pesto, and that satisfying mix of melty cheese and earthy mushrooms, this pizza can transform any night into something special. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite way to enjoy pizza night!

Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 12-inch pizza, serves 3-4 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Wild Mushroom Pesto Pizza features a flavorful combination of sautéed assorted mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a rich pesto sauce atop a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and garnished with fresh radish sprouts and herbs, this pizza is a delightful vegetarian meal perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the toppings.
Cook Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the assorted mushrooms, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their juices. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain excess oil.
Assemble Pizza: Remove the chilled pizza dough from the refrigerator and spread the pesto evenly over the surface, leaving the edges free to form the crust. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the pesto layer, then top with the cooked mushrooms.
Bake Pizza: Place the assembled pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet and position it on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Add Garnishes and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh rosemary, sage, thyme leaves, and baby radish sprouts. Optionally drizzle extra pesto sauce on top for added flavor. Slice into pieces and serve hot.

Notes

Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and button for a more complex flavor.
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Adjust the herbs and seasoning according to your taste preference.
To make it vegan, substitute cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and ensure pesto contains no cheese.
Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian