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.
I often use this trick when I'm craving pizza but want something a little different from the standard frozen variety. It's especially handy on busy nights, and everyone loves the extra cheese and mushroom combination.
Ingredients
- Base: 1 frozen pizza (any style, e.g., Margherita or cheese)
- Toppings: 1 cup (150 g) canned mushrooms, drained and sliced
- Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or pizza cheese blend)
- Toppings: 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Toppings: 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Toppings: 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Toppings: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, 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 Pizza:
- Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a few twists of black pepper.
- Optional Flavor:
- Drizzle with olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for the time indicated on the package, usually 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Save My kids enjoy helping sprinkle the cheese and herbs on top, making pizza night a fun family activity.
Required Tools
Oven, baking tray or pizza stone, knife. Cutting board is optional if you're adding garnishes.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (in pizza base) and milk (cheese). If using flavored pizzas or processed cheese, other allergens such as soy or egg can be present.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, based on a standard cheese pizza with added toppings: approximately 380 calories, 17 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein.
Save This upgrade transforms your everyday frozen pizza into a crowd-pleaser. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of mushrooms work best for this dish?
Canned mushrooms are ideal as they’re ready to use and add a tender texture that complements the pizza’s toppings.
- → Can fresh herbs be used instead of dried?
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added after baking for bright flavor, while dried herbs during baking provide deeper aroma.
- → How much extra cheese should I add?
About 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend evenly sprinkled enhances creaminess and richness without overwhelming the base.
- → Is olive oil necessary for this upgrade?
Olive oil is optional but recommended for adding a subtle richness and helping the toppings meld together while baking.
- → How long should I bake the upgraded pizza?
Bake following the frozen pizza instructions, usually 10–15 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.