Save Transform a basic frozen pizza into a flavorful, gourmet-style meal with the addition of canned mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a generous layer of extra cheese. This simple upgrade makes store-bought pizza taste like it came out of a restaurant kitchen.
I started adding canned mushrooms and extra cheese to frozen pizza during busy weeknights, and now it's my go-to trick whenever I want something comforting but crave a homemade touch.
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza: 1, any style (e.g., Margherita or cheese)
- Canned mushrooms: 1 cup (150 g), drained and sliced
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (or pizza cheese blend): 1 cup (100 g)
- Dried oregano: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/4 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil (optional): 1 tablespoon, for drizzling
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven according to the frozen pizza package instructions (typically 220°C/425°F).
- Prepare Pizza Base:
- Remove the frozen pizza from its packaging and place it on a baking tray or pizza stone.
- Add Mushrooms:
- Evenly distribute the drained mushrooms over the pizza.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the extra shredded cheese over the entire pizza, covering mushrooms and existing toppings.
- Season:
- Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a few twists of black pepper.
- Optional Olive Oil:
- Drizzle with olive oil for a richer flavor, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for the time indicated on the package, usually 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish:
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Save My family loves making this pizza together, each person choosing their favorite toppings before it goes into the oven. It creates a fun and interactive dinner that everyone enjoys.
Required Tools
Oven, baking tray or pizza stone, knife, cutting board (optional for garnishes)
Allergen Information
Contains gluten in pizza base and milk in cheese. Read all packaging if you have allergies; some brands add soy or egg to their pizza bases.
Nutritional Information
For each serving (based on standard cheese pizza with toppings): Calories: ~380, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 16 g
Save This easy pizza upgrade will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, herby bite hot out of the oven!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mushrooms can be used but should be sliced and sautéed beforehand to reduce moisture and enhance flavor.
- → Which cheese works best for extra topping?
Shredded mozzarella or pizza cheese blends melt well and complement the other toppings with creamy texture.
- → How do herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme add aromatic earthiness and depth, balancing the richness of cheese and mushrooms.
- → Is olive oil necessary for drizzling?
Olive oil is optional but contributes a subtle richness and helps meld flavors during baking.
- → Can other vegetables be added?
Yes, sliced olives, bell peppers, or chili flakes can provide additional flavor complexity.