If you love the earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with fragrant fresh herbs and creamy tangy goat cheese, then you’re in for a treat with this Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this pizza transforms simple, fresh ingredients into something fan-freaking-tastic that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence. Stick with me here because I’m sharing all the tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Herb Boost: Using fresh thyme, oregano, and chives gives this pizza a bright, garden-fresh flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Creamy and Tangy Goat Cheese: I love how the goat cheese adds a luxurious tang that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- Quick and Easy Assembly: From dough to oven in about an hour, this pizza is perfect for when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe plays a key role in creating those layers of flavor and texture. Choosing fresh herbs and the right variety of mushrooms makes all the difference, and I’ll share some ideas for picking the best options.
- Best Pizza Dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good dough gives your pizza the perfect chewy crust.
- Mixed Mushrooms: I like a mix of baby bella, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a blend of textures and flavors.
- Fresh Thyme and Oregano: These herbs bring deep, aromatic notes – make sure they’re fresh for maximum impact.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors; I split the salt between cooking the mushrooms and finishing the pizza.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for brushing the dough and sautéing mushrooms.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the mushrooms, cutting through their richness.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled, it adds creamy, tangy bursts in every bite.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for melting perfectly under the mushrooms and goat cheese.
- Chives: Finely chopped, they add a mild oniony freshness as a garnish.
- Semolina Flour or Cornmeal: For dusting your pizza peel to ensure easy transfer to the oven.
Variations
I like to think of this Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe as a flexible canvas. Once you master the basics, you can tweak it to suit your mood, season, or dietary preferences. Here are a few of my favorite spin-offs that you might enjoy.
- Variation: Adding caramelized onions for a sweet depth – my family goes crazy for this option, especially when paired with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Variation: Switching out goat cheese with ricotta for a milder, creamier profile that’s perfect if you prefer less tang.
- Variation: For a gluten-free crowd, using a cauliflower or gluten-free crust works just as well without compromising flavor.
- Variation: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pine nuts for crunch – I discovered this trick when looking for more texture, and it’s a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Oven
Start by prepping your best pizza dough. I usually follow a tried-and-true recipe that takes about 15 minutes to mix and around 45 minutes to rest, giving you time to get everything else ready. While the dough is resting, place a pizza stone in your oven and preheat it to 500°F. Trust me, a hot stone is a game-changer—it crisps the crust perfectly. If you’re lucky enough to have a pizza oven, even better—preheat that to max heat for that authentic, wood-fired taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms with Herbs
Clean and slice your mushrooms, then heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the mushrooms with the fresh thyme, oregano, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir occasionally for around five minutes or until the mushrooms soften and release their juices. Then, reduce the heat to low and splash in some fresh lemon juice. This little trick brightens up the mushrooms so they don’t taste too heavy—learned that from my early mushroom dishes that came out a bit bland.
Step 3: Shape, Top, and Bake the Pizza
Dust your pizza peel with semolina flour or cornmeal—this keeps the dough from sticking when you transfer it to the oven. I can’t stress enough: a good pizza peel makes life so much easier! Stretch your dough into a round shape, then brush a thin layer of olive oil over the surface. Next, spread shredded mozzarella evenly, add the sautéed mushrooms, and scatter crumbles of goat cheese on top. Finish by sprinkling chopped chives, a few more fresh thyme sprigs, and a light pinch of salt.
Now, carefully slide your pizza onto the hot pizza stone in the oven. This pizza cooks quickly—about 5 to 7 minutes in a standard oven or just 1 minute in a pizza oven. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe
- Use a Hot Stone or Steel: I learned that preheating the stone at least 45 minutes makes a crispier crust with a lovely char.
- Don’t Overload the Toppings: A thin layer of mushrooms prevents the pizza from becoming soggy—trust me, less is more here.
- Fresh Herbs Go On Just Before Baking: Adding some herbs fresh on top and some cooked into the mushrooms balances flavor and aroma.
- Goat Cheese Placement Matters: Dotting goat cheese instead of spreading it avoids overpowering the other ingredients and creates those delightful pockets of flavor.
How to Serve Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this pizza with a few extra fresh thyme sprigs and a light drizzle of good olive oil right after baking—it adds a glossy sheen and fresh aroma. Sometimes I’ll add a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little crunch that makes a huge flavor difference.
Side Dishes
Since this pizza is loaded with flavor, I usually pair it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon really rounds out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the pizza on a wooden board with small bowls of extra goat cheese, fresh herbs, and chili flakes on the side. It turns the meal into a fun interactive experience. You can even prepare mini versions of this pizza for parties—everyone gets their own delicious personal pie!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, I always let the pizza cool completely before refrigerating and avoid stacking slices directly on top of each other.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pizza twice by wrapping slices individually in plastic wrap and then foil. When I thaw and reheat, the flavors hold up surprisingly well, though the crust benefits from a quick re-crisp in the oven.
Reheating
My go-to reheating method is placing leftover pizza on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 7-10 minutes. This revives the crust’s crispness and warms the toppings evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe?
You can, but fresh herbs really make a difference in flavor intensity and aroma. If you must use dried, use about a third of the amount, add them to the mushrooms while cooking to bloom their flavor, and consider fresh herbs as a garnish to bring brightness.
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What’s the best way to clean mushrooms for this pizza?
I prefer wiping mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a soft brush to remove dirt without soaking them. Mushrooms are like sponges and get soggy if submerged in water, which can affect the pizza’s texture.
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Can I make this pizza vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses no meat. Goat cheese adds delicious richness, and mushrooms bring umami depth, making it a satisfying meat-free option.
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What’s the best cheese to substitute for goat cheese?
If you’re not crazy about goat cheese, ricotta or feta are great alternatives. Ricotta offers creaminess without tang, while feta contributes a salty, briny punch similar to goat cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it balances comforting earthiness with fresh, lively flavors. Every time I make it, friends and family rave about how simple ingredients come together into something extraordinary. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that feels both fancy and utterly approachable, perfect for sharing around your own table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Mushroom Herb Pizza with Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 7 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 7 min
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Mushroom Pizza with Fresh Herbs features a homemade best pizza dough base topped with a medley of sautéed mixed mushrooms, fresh thyme, oregano, creamy goat cheese, and mozzarella. Lightly seasoned and baked to perfection on a hot pizza stone, this white pizza is a perfect blend of earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives and extra herbs for an elevated flavor. Ideal for mushroom lovers seeking a gourmet yet approachable homemade pizza.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball Best Pizza Dough (or Food Processor Dough or Thin Crust Dough)
Mushroom Topping
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mixed mushrooms (such as baby bella aka cremini, button, shiitake, and oyster)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Additional Toppings
- 1 to 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Olive oil for brushing and drizzling
For Assembly
- Semolina flour or cornmeal, for dusting the pizza peel
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the Best Pizza Dough recipe to make your dough. This process takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes for the dough to rest and rise properly.
- Preheat the Oven and Pizza Stone: Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500°F. Alternatively, preheat your pizza oven if you’re using one for faster cooking times.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mixed mushrooms. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, chopped thyme and oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until mushrooms are tender. Lower the heat to low, add the fresh lemon juice, stir, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Dust a pizza peel with semolina flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Stretch the dough into a circle using your hands as per How to Stretch Pizza Dough instructions, then gently place it onto the prepared peel.
- Add the Toppings: Brush the dough surface lightly with olive oil. Spread shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough. Layer the sautéed mushrooms on top, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese across the pizza. Garnish with finely chopped chives and additional thyme sprigs. Finally, sprinkle 1 pinch of kosher salt over the toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza carefully from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for approximately 5 to 7 minutes in a conventional oven until the crust and cheese are golden brown. If using a pizza oven, baking time is about 1 minute.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, slice into 8 pieces, and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and perfect texture.
Notes
- This mushroom pizza is a white pizza, meaning it is made without tomato sauce and highlights the bright flavors of the cheeses and fresh herbs.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve an evenly crisp crust by distributing heat evenly and absorbing moisture.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives add aromatic complexity and elevate the earthy mushroom flavor profile.
- For best results, use a pizza peel dusted with semolina or cornmeal to easily transfer the pizza in and out of the oven without sticking.
- Choosing a variety of mushrooms provides a range of textures and flavor depth, making the pizza more interesting and delicious.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 131
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 182.1 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.2 g
- Fiber: 2.7 g
- Protein: 8.1 g
- Cholesterol: 7.5 mg
