Homemade Cremini Mushroom Pizza recipe

Homemade Cremini Mushroom Pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily prepare at home. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through making one:

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Toppings:

• 1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey (or sugar), and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Stir the mixture until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and springs back when pressed.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Toppings:

1. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and any excess moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.
2. On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each pizza crust.
5. Top the cheese with the sautéed cremini mushrooms, spreading them out evenly.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms.
7. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor.

4. Bake the Pizza:

1. Place the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
2. Once done, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Cremini Mushroom Pizza!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other toppings like caramelized onions, fresh spinach, or your favorite cheese. Enjoy your homemade pizza!