Mushroom and cheese pizza
Mushroom and cheese pizza: a quick and tasty delicacy
Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes around the world, and today’s recipe for mushroom and cheese pizza is a perfect choice for a delicious, quick, and satisfying dinner. This pizza combines the rich flavor of mushrooms with the enticing aroma of melted cheese, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. I invite you to discover each step of preparing this delight, along with some useful tips and interesting variations!
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Ingredients for the dough:
- 350 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt (heaped)
- 600 g flour (approximately)
Ingredients for the filling:
- 300 g fresh mushrooms (champignon or pleurotus)
- 150 g grated cheese
- 150 g smoked cheese (or cottage cheese, to taste)
- 100 g ham (or bacon, for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g green or black olives (optional)
- 200 g tomato paste (or quality tomato sauce)
- 1 small onion (optional, for a richer taste)
- Spices to taste (oregano, basil)
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and crumbled fresh yeast. Make sure the liquid temperature is comfortable for your fingers so as not to kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. Don’t worry if you don’t see significant yeast growth – it will work later!
2. After the waiting time, add the liquid mixture to the flour. Sprinkle the salt on top and mix everything with a wooden spoon until the ingredients start to combine.
3. Transfer the dough to a work surface and start kneading. If you have a food processor, it will make the job even easier! Gradually add 50-100 g of additional flour, so the dough becomes soft and elastic, without sticking to your hands.
4. Once the dough is homogeneous, shape it into a ball and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Preparing the filling:
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Wash and slice the mushrooms thinly. In a non-stick skillet, add the mushrooms and sauté them over medium heat, without oil, to release their aroma. If you want to add onion, chop it finely and add it to the skillet with the mushrooms.
6. After the mushrooms have sautéed, set them aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, cut the ham and cheese into small cubes, so they distribute evenly on the pizza.
Assembling the pizza:
7. Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C (moderate heat). On a floured work surface, roll out the dough into the desired shape, ensuring it is even. Transfer it to a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
8. Spread the dough with the tomato paste, distributing it evenly. Then, add the sautéed mushrooms, ham, cheese, grated cheese, and olives. Sprinkle oregano and basil to taste for an extra flavor boost.
9. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese melts and forms golden spots.
Serving:
10. Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. Mushroom and cheese pizza is served warm, but it is just as delicious cold, perfect for a quick snack.
Suggestions and tips:
- If you want a crispier crust, you can use a pizza stone or bake the pizza directly on a grill in the oven.
- Experiment with different types of cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese for varied flavors.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or cherry tomatoes for extra vitamins and color.
- Pizza is perfect when accompanied by a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, which will add a refreshing note.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, use one-third of the amount of fresh yeast.
- How can I store the pizza for the next day? Keep the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge, and when you want to consume it, you can reheat it in the oven.
- What is the best accompaniment? A cold pale beer or a light red wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the pizza.
Nutritional benefits:
Mushroom and cheese pizza is not only delicious but also nutritious. Mushrooms are rich in fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants, while cheese adds protein and calcium. By using fresh ingredients, you will get a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started! I wish you happy cooking and, above all, enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough 350 ml milk 100 ml water 1 cube of 25 gr fresh yeast 1 teaspoon salt (heaping) 600 gr. all-purpose flour Filling: mushrooms, cheese, smoked cheese, ham, olives, broth or vegetables (I made some with broth and others with vegetables)
