When it comes to food, variety is the spice of life. And when it comes to pizza, there are endless ways to top that classic pie. From gourmet toppings like arugula and prosciutto to more standard options like pepperoni and pineapple, there’s something for everyone.
Fortunately for us, this humble pie also happens to be one of the best ways to enjoy mushrooms as a primary ingredient
Packed with flavor and nutrition, these fungi are a fantastic addition to any pizza – especially when you have so many great options from which to choose!
Here are our best mushrooms for pizza toppings, as well as some ideas for using them in your next home-cooked meal or gourmet takeout order.
1. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are celebrated for their delicate, slightly sweet flavor and tender, velvety texture.
These mushrooms are a superb choice for pizza toppings due to their ability to blend harmoniously with a variety of other ingredients bringing a gentle, yet distinct taste that complements both classic and innovative toppings.
Not only do they complement classic pizza toppings like cheese and tomatoes, but they also work well with more adventurous combinations.
Nutritionally, oyster mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, essential vitamins, and high levels of vitamin D and antioxidants.
For an enhanced taste, lightly sautéing oyster mushrooms in olive oil or butter before adding them to pizza can intensify their flavor and add a delightful aroma.
2. King Trumpet Mushrooms (a.k.a King Oyster or King Brown Mushrooms)
King Trumpet mushrooms stand out with their mild yet savory flavor and firm, meaty texture. These attributes make them a favorite among those who seek a hearty, chewy topping on their pizzas.
These mushrooms are particularly loved for their firm texture, which holds up well during cooking, making them an ideal meat substitute on pizzas. Their robust structure allows them to absorb flavors from other ingredients, enriching the overall taste of the pizza.
King Trumpets are not only delicious but also bring a wealth of health benefits. They contain essential amino acids, antioxidants, and have been known to support immune health.
When preparing King Trumpet mushrooms for pizza, consider marinating them to infuse additional flavors or sautéing them to bring out their natural umami.
3. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their rich, smoky flavor and slightly chewy texture.
On pizza, shiitake mushrooms provide a unique umami flavor that can elevate the dish to a gourmet level. They pair well with a variety of toppings and sauces, adding a depth of flavor that's both distinctive and appealing.
They are a staple in East Asian cuisine and are known for their high nutritional content, including copper, B vitamins, and several other minerals.
For an enhanced taste, consider sautéing the shiitakes in butter or oil before adding them to your pizza.
4. Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are known for their large size and meaty texture, making them a popular choice for hearty dishes.
As a pizza topping, portobellos offer a substantial, chewy texture that makes them an excellent meat substitute. Their earthy flavor complements a range of other toppings, from traditional cheeses to more adventurous ingredients.
These mushrooms are rich in nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health and wellbeing.
Grilling or roasting portobellos before adding them to pizza can intensify their flavor, making them a standout ingredient for any pizza recipe.
5. Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, the most commonly consumed mushroom variety, are known for their mild flavor and versatile use in cooking.
On pizza, button mushrooms add a subtle earthiness without overpowering other flavors. They can absorb and complement the flavors of other toppings and sauces, making them a perfect addition to any pizza.
They are great pizza toppings because they hold the sauce and cheese really well. This means that the sauce and cheese stay on the pizza, but you can still eat a slice of pizza without having to worry about any of it sliding off or falling apart.
These mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium.
Sautéing them lightly before adding to pizza can enhance their taste, making them a simple yet delicious topping choice.
6. Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, or "Hen of the Woods," offer a rich and earthy flavor that is somewhat peppery, making them an exciting addition to any pizza.
These mushrooms are unique not just in taste but also in their frilly, feather-like appearance. On pizza, they contribute a deep, earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with both white and red sauces.
Maitake mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits, including supporting the immune system and regulating blood sugar levels. They are a great source of vitamins B and D, minerals, and antioxidants.
To best utilize Maitake mushrooms on pizza, it's recommended to lightly cook them first, which can help in enhancing their flavor and making them a delightful topping for both classic and gourmet pizza varieties.
7. Porcinis Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms are celebrated for their rich, nutty, and earthy flavor, making them a favorite in Italian cuisine.
When used as pizza toppings, porcinis add a robust, meaty texture, enhancing the pizza's overall taste profile.
They are a great source of protein, fiber, and B vitamins, which are beneficial for maintaining good health.
They're especially flavorful when sautéed, bringing out their unique taste that pairs well with a variety of cheeses and sauces. Porcini mushrooms can be an excellent substitute for meat on pizza, offering a luxurious and hearty flavor that's both satisfying and delicious.
8. Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are characterized by their long, thin stems and small caps, offering a crunchy texture and a delicate, mildly sweet flavor. This distinct texture and taste profile make Enoki mushrooms a unique pizza topping, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with different pizza styles. They add a unique textural contrast and a visually appealing element.
Nutritionally, Enoki mushrooms are low in calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamins B and C, as well as dietary fiber. They are also believed to have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Enoki mushrooms are best used in lighter, more refined pizza recipes and can be paired with a variety of vegetables and cheeses. They are best added towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their crispness.
9. Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms are prized for their vibrant color and distinctive flavor, which is a mix of fruity and peppery with a hint of earthiness.
On pizza, chanterelles offer a distinct, sophisticated taste and a slightly chewy texture.They also add a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to the pizza.
Chanterelles are not only flavorful but also rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and D, and potassium. They have been known for their antioxidant properties as well.
To bring out the best in Chanterelle mushrooms, they can be lightly sautéed with garlic and herbs before being added to the pizza, complementing both white and red sauce bases beautifully.
10. Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are highly coveted for their unique honeycomb appearance and their intense, nutty, and earthy flavor.
They are a gourmet addition to pizzas, particularly those with a white sauce base or more sophisticated toppings. They bring a luxurious and woodsy element, especially when paired with other rich ingredients like creamy sauces and robust cheeses.
Morels are rich in iron, vitamin D, and antioxidants. Their complex flavor profile makes them a luxurious topping choice.
It's important to clean and cook morels thoroughly before use, as they cannot be eaten raw.
11. Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the Woods is a wild mushroom known for its meaty texture and flavor that resembles chicken, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian pizzas.
This mushroom is not only tasty but also offers a good amount of protein, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
It's especially popular among those looking for a hearty, meat-free pizza topping.
When preparing Chicken of the Woods for pizza, it's recommended to cook them well, as they can be tough if undercooked. They pair well with traditional pizza toppings like onions, peppers, and a variety of cheeses.
12. Truffles
Truffles are a luxurious and highly sought-after fungi, known for their intense aroma and earthy, slightly garlicky flavor.
While expensive, even a small amount can impart a rich, gourmet taste to a pizza.
Truffles are a good source of antioxidants and nutrients.
They can be used in the form of thinly shaved slices or infused oils to add depth and sophistication to your pizza. Pairing truffles with simple, high-quality ingredients like mozzarella or Parmesan allows their distinctive flavor to shine.
13. Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are essentially young portobello mushrooms. They have a firmer texture and a deeper, earthier flavor compared to white button mushrooms.
Rich in selenium, potassium, and B vitamins, cremini mushrooms are not only tasty but also healthful.
They make an excellent pizza topping, offering a savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Whether you're using them fresh or sautéed, cremini mushrooms add a delightful umami touch to pizzas, making them suitable for both vegetarian and meat-based pies.
Final Words
Each of these mushroom varieties brings its unique flavors and textures to pizza, transforming a simple dish into a gourmet experience.
From the meaty textures of portobello and king trumpet mushrooms to the delicate nuances of enoki and chanterelles, these mushrooms not only enhance the taste but also offer nutritional benefits.
Incorporating these diverse mushrooms into your pizza toppings is a great way to explore different culinary profiles and enjoy a healthier, more flavorful meal.
Whether you prefer the classic earthiness of button mushrooms or the luxurious touch of truffles, there's a mushroom for every pizza lover's palate.
