Save Transform your everyday frozen pizza into a mouthwatering masterpiece with this simple upgrade using mushrooms, herbs, and extra cheese. This easy technique brings new life to convenience food, delivering a restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort.
I discovered this pizza hack on a busy weeknight when dinner needed to be fast, satisfying, and made with pantry staples. My family now requests it every time frozen pizza is on the menu.
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza: 1 (any style, e.g., 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:
- Preheat your oven according to pizza package instructions (typically 220°C/425°F).
- Prepare base:
- Remove frozen pizza from packaging and place it on a baking tray or pizza stone.
- Add mushrooms:
- Evenly distribute drained mushrooms over pizza.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over entire pizza, covering mushrooms and existing toppings.
- Season:
- Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a few twists of black pepper.
- Add olive oil (optional):
- Drizzle with olive oil for richer flavor if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven for time indicated on package, usually 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve hot.
Save This upgraded pizza is now a staple for movie nights, and my kids love choosing their own extra toppings each time. Sharing slices is always the highlight of our cozy weekends.
Required Tools
Oven, baking tray or pizza stone, knife, cutting board (optional for garnishes)
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (in pizza base), milk (cheese). Always check labels for allergens, especially if using processed cheese or flavored pizzas; some products may also contain soy or egg.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on standard cheese pizza with toppings): Calories: ~380, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 16 g
Save With just a few pantry staples, you can give any frozen pizza gourmet flair for busy nights. Enjoy every cheesy, herby bite fresh from your oven.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mushrooms can be used. Slice and lightly sauté them to remove moisture before adding to the pizza to avoid sogginess.
- → What herbs work best for topping?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme add classic savory notes that complement the cheese and mushrooms well.
- → Is olive oil necessary for this topping?
Olive oil is optional but recommended; it enhances richness and helps herbs bloom during baking.
- → Can I use different cheese types?
Certainly. Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or plant-based cheeses all work well to add creamy texture and flavor.
- → How do I ensure the pizza isn’t soggy after adding toppings?
Use well-drained mushrooms and avoid overloading toppings. Baking on a pizza stone or hot tray helps keep the crust crisp.