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 top 5 favorite mushrooms for pizza toppings, as well as some ideas for using them in your next home-cooked meal or gourmet takeout order.
1. Porcinis Mushrooms
Porcinis mushrooms are a rich source of potassium, which helps to maintain hydration levels in your body. They also contain vitamin B and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.
Porcinis are great for pizza toppings because they add a meaty texture to the dish. They’re also very affordable, so you can save money by topping your pizza with them instead of meat.
Porcinis can be used in place of other mushrooms in recipes. They’re especially good in pasta dishes, as well as on top of sandwiches and pizzas.
You should avoid eating large quantities of porcinis if you have a history of gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are usually found in the market at the end of summer and into fall, which is a great time to use them in your pizza recipes.
These mushrooms are very popular for their meaty texture and earthy flavor. They’re also naturally high in vitamins A and C, which are both good for our immune systems and overall health.
One way to use portobello mushrooms is as a pizza topping. The meaty texture of these mushrooms makes them perfect for creating a bread-like texture. You can also use them as a substitute for traditional mozzarella cheese that you would typically find on a pizza.
Pile some portobello mushroom slices onto your pizza, then top it off with your favorite toppings.
3. Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms can be used as a pizza topping, especially if they’re sautéed or roasted. They offer a nice texture contrast to the softer cheese and dough.
They also offer a ton of nutrients and antioxidants, including vitamins B6, C and E, selenium and manganese.
Plus, cremini mushrooms have plenty of different health benefits that can help you feel healthier and live happier.
They’re an excellent source of minerals like calcium, iron and zinc.
They’re also loaded with potassium, which can help maintain heart health.
And they contain anti-inflammatory compounds called polysaccharides that can help reduce pain and swelling.
So cremini mushrooms are definitely something you want to add to your diet!
4. Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms 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. They also have a nice texture that goes well with pizza, so you can use them in place of other toppings like pepperoni or vegetables.
Plus, button mushrooms are high in antioxidants and nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamin C. So not only do they taste good on pizza, but they can help keep your body healthy as well!
5. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have a unique taste that can enhance the flavor of pizza toppings. They are full of antioxidants and are known for their ability to lower cholesterol and fight inflammation.
Using them as a pizza topping can help to increase the overall nutritional value of your pizza.
When you choose to top your pizza with shiitake mushrooms, they will add a distinct flavor that is sure to be enjoyed by all. Shiitake mushrooms also contain natural anti-inflammatory properties, so they are ideal for those with certain health conditions or concerns.
When you use shiitake mushrooms as a pizza topping, you can create a healthful meal that delivers significant benefits in terms of nutrition and taste. By ensuring that your toppings are fresh, you will ensure that you are getting the most out of your pizza recipe.
Final Words
The mushroom family is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. The more you know about mushrooms, the easier it will be to turn them into a healthy part of your daily diet.
Mushrooms are a nutritious and delicious option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and they’re great for boosting your immune system and protecting against inflammation.
You can find different types of mushrooms in different colors, and each one offers a unique health benefit.
Here are some of the health benefits of using mushrooms as a food:
Mushroom nutrition is essential to overall health.
Mushrooms contain more than 8 different types of specialized nutrients that can be used to fight disease, improve immune function and strengthen the heart.
They contain more than 12 different types of pigments that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
That being said, don’t hesitate to use them for your pizza toppings.