Save to Pinterest Transform your basic frozen pizza into a restaurant-worthy dish using this easy upgrade with mushrooms, herbs, and a hearty sprinkle of extra cheese. In just a few minutes of prep, you can elevate a simple meal to something deliciously satisfying.
I often reach for a frozen pizza when time is tight, and these easy upgrades have turned an ordinary weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleaser. The combination of canned mushrooms and extra cheese always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza: Any style, such as Margherita or cheese
- Canned mushrooms: 1 cup (150 g), drained and sliced
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g) or pizza cheese blend
- 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:
- Set oven temperature as directed on frozen pizza packaging (typically 220°C/425°F).
- Prepare pizza base:
- Remove frozen pizza from packaging and place it on a baking tray or pizza stone.
- Add mushrooms:
- Distribute drained and sliced mushrooms evenly over the pizza.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire pizza, covering mushrooms and existing toppings.
- Season:
- Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional drizzle:
- Drizzle olive oil on top for added richness.
- Bake:
- Bake pizza in preheated oven as per package instructions, typically 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese bubbles and turns golden.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove pizza, let cool for 2 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice and enjoy hot.
Save to Pinterest My family loves customizing pizzas together, each person choosing their favorite toppings. It's a fun way to spend a Friday evening, and everyone gets the slices they love most.
Suggested Variations
Add sliced olives, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for even more flavor and color.
Serving Ideas
Pair upgraded pizza with a crisp green salad and a glass of Italian red wine for a simple, balanced meal.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains gluten (pizza base) and milk (cheese). Per serving: about 380 calories, 17 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein.
Save to Pinterest With a handful of pantry staples, you can serve upgraded pizza that tastes homemade and special every time. Enjoy experimenting with your own favorite toppings!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of mushrooms work best for topping?
Canned sliced mushrooms offer convenience and absorb flavors well, but fresh mushrooms can be used if sliced thinly and pre-cooked to remove excess moisture.
- → Can I use different herbs instead of oregano and basil?
Yes, thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of chili flakes complement the toppings and add unique aromatic notes to the dish.
- → Is extra cheese necessary for better flavor?
Adding extra shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend melts beautifully, creating a richer, gooier texture and enhancing overall taste.
- → Should I drizzle olive oil before baking?
Drizzling olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps herbs release their flavors during baking but can be skipped based on preference.
- → How long should the pizza bake after adding toppings?
Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes at 220°C (425°F) or until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden for optimal texture and flavor.