Creamy Mushroom and Basil Ricotta Pizza
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Mushroom and Basil Ricotta Pizza, inspired by a recipe from Fitness Magazine (June 2011), but enhanced with a few personal touches. With a crispy whole wheat crust, savory cremini mushrooms sautéed in garlic and fresh oregano, and a luscious blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings without the need for meat. Garnished with aromatic fresh basil, this pizza is not only quick to make but also bursts with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this hearty and delicious meal that's sure to impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
1 (Roll out on a lightly floured surface.)
Cremini Mushrooms
2 ounces (Thinly sliced.)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (Used for tossing mushrooms and drizzling.)
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced (or more, to taste).)
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (Substitute with 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano if available.)
Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup (Dolloped onto the pizza.)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded or sliced to sprinkle on top.)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1/4 cup (Whole leaves used as topping.)
Kosher Salt
to taste (For seasoning.)
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the whole wheat pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a lightly oiled pizza pan or baking sheet.
3
In a small bowl, toss the sliced cremini mushrooms with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well-coated. Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the prepared pizza dough, followed by the minced garlic and oregano.
4
Using a spoon, drop dollops of ricotta cheese across the pizza, ensuring it's distributed evenly. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top, then season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
5
Arrange the fresh basil leaves on top of the ricotta, allowing them to add a pop of color and flavor. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the basil.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a minute, slice it up, and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful mushroom pizza!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Creamy Mushroom and Basil Ricotta Pizza?
This pizza offers a savory and aromatic profile, combining earthy cremini mushrooms, pungent garlic, and fresh basil with a luscious, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend on a hearty whole wheat crust.
What kind of dough is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one portion of whole wheat pizza dough to provide a crispy and healthy base.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking the pizza.
How long does it take to bake the pizza?
The pizza typically bakes for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Which mushrooms are best for this pizza?
The recipe specifically uses 2 ounces of thinly sliced cremini mushrooms.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pizza as it contains no meat and relies on mushrooms and cheeses for flavor.
How is the ricotta cheese applied to the pizza?
Using a spoon, you should drop dollops of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza surface.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano with 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano if available.
What role does olive oil play in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to coat the mushrooms for roasting and is also drizzled over the pizza before baking to enhance the flavor and texture.
When should the fresh basil be added?
Fresh basil leaves should be arranged on top of the ricotta dollops before the final layer of mozzarella is added.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the entire meal can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
What type of salt is recommended for seasoning?
Kosher salt is recommended to season the pizza to your personal taste.
Do I need to cook the mushrooms before putting them on the pizza?
No, you simply toss the thinly sliced mushrooms in olive oil and spread them directly onto the dough to bake.
How do I prepare the garlic?
One garlic clove (or more if you prefer) should be minced and spread over the mushroom layer.
How do I prepare the pizza pan?
The pizza dough should be transferred to a lightly oiled pizza pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
How should the dough be handled before topping?
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness before transferring it to the pan.
Can I add more garlic if I want?
Yes, the recipe encourages adding more than one clove of garlic to suit your personal taste.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version found in the June 2011 issue of Fitness Magazine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: whole wheat dough, cremini mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, oregano, ricotta, mozzarella, basil, salt, and pepper.
Is the basil chopped or used whole?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of whole fresh basil leaves.
What indicates the pizza is finished cooking?
The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Should the pizza be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the pizza cool for about a minute after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving warm.
Can I use black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests using fresh ground pepper to taste.
What makes this pizza a 'healthy' choice?
It uses whole wheat dough, fresh mushrooms, and fresh herbs, making it a nutrient-dense, meat-free alternative to traditional pizzas.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Common tags include vegetarian, quick meal, healthy, whole wheat, and under 30 minutes.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How many cheeses are used in this recipe?
Two cheeses are used: Ricotta and Mozzarella.
Can I substitute other mushrooms if cremini are unavailable?
While cremini are suggested for their flavor, you could use white button mushrooms or baby bellas as a substitute.