Savory Portabella Mushroom Pizzas
Delight in these Savory Portabella Mushroom Pizzas, a delicious and low-carb alternative to traditional pizza! Each large portabella mushroom cap serves as a robust base, perfectly holding a medley of flavorful toppings, including zesty pizza sauce, diced Canadian bacon or pepperoni, and melted cheese. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for gatherings, this recipe is not only simple but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the rich umami flavor of mushrooms combined with the comforting taste of pizza in this easy and satisfying dish.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Portabella mushrooms
2 large (Rinsed and gills removed)
Pizza sauce
4 tablespoons (Ready to use)
Rotel (Mexican style)
1 (10 ounce) can (Drained)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Mozzarella or Provolone cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Canadian bacon or pepperoni
1/2 cup (Diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325-350°F (160-175°C).
2
In a skillet, add the diced Canadian bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
Gently rinse the portabella mushrooms under cold water. Remove the stems and set them aside. Carefully scrape out the gills from the undersides of the mushrooms using a spoon, creating a crater shape without damaging the edges.
4
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush 1 tablespoon of melted butter on the top of each mushroom cap to enhance flavor.
5
Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each mushroom cap.
6
Spoon 3 tablespoons of Rotel onto each cap, spreading it evenly.
7
Add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to each mushroom cap, allowing it to melt during baking.
8
Top with your desired amount of crispy Canadian bacon or pepperoni.
9
Finely chop the reserved mushroom stems and sprinkle them over the toppings for added flavor.
10
Place the stuffed mushroom caps on a flat baking pan. Dot them with any remaining melted butter.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Portabella Mushroom Pizzas?
Savory Portabella Mushroom Pizzas are a delicious and low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, using large portabella mushroom caps as a robust base for zesty pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 2 servings, with each serving typically consisting of one large stuffed mushroom cap.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to between 325-350°F (160-175°C).
How long do the mushroom pizzas need to bake?
Bake the mushroom pizzas for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How do I prepare the portabella mushroom caps?
Gently rinse the mushrooms, remove the stems, and carefully scrape out the gills using a spoon to create a crater shape for the toppings.
What should I do with the mushroom stems?
The stems should be finely chopped and sprinkled over the other toppings before baking for added flavor.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, by using mushrooms instead of a traditional bread crust, this recipe is a great low-carb and keto-friendly option.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the Canadian bacon or pepperoni, or substitute them with vegetarian meat alternatives or extra vegetables.
What kind of cheese is recommended for these pizzas?
The recipe recommends using shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for the best melting results.
What is Rotel and how is it used here?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies. In this recipe, 3 tablespoons of drained Rotel are spread onto each mushroom cap.
Do I need to cook the meat before adding it to the mushrooms?
Yes, the diced Canadian bacon should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat until crispy before being added as a topping.
How much pizza sauce should I use for each mushroom?
Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each mushroom cap.
Why is butter used in this recipe?
Melted butter is brushed onto the mushroom caps to enhance the flavor and provide moisture during the baking process.
Can I use pepperoni instead of Canadian bacon?
Yes, you can use either Canadian bacon or pepperoni, or even a combination of both based on your preference.
Should I remove the gills from the portabella mushrooms?
Yes, scraping out the gills helps create a 'crater' to hold more toppings and prevents the dish from becoming too dark or muddy in appearance.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
While large portabella mushrooms are ideal for individual pizzas, you could use smaller cremini mushrooms to make bite-sized appetizers.
Are these portabella pizzas gluten-free?
The base is naturally gluten-free; just ensure your pizza sauce and choice of meat are certified gluten-free.
How can I prevent the mushrooms from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure you drain the Rotel thoroughly and do not over-rinse the mushrooms under water.
Can I add other toppings to these pizzas?
Absolutely. These are highly customizable; you can add onions, bell peppers, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
What is the best way to serve these?
They are best served hot straight from the oven as a light main dish or a fun appetizer.
Can I use vegan cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella or provolone with your favorite vegan cheese shreds and use a plant-based butter.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
You can prepare the ingredients and clean the mushrooms ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake them just before eating.
How do I know when the mushrooms are cooked?
The mushrooms will feel tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese on top should be fully melted and starting to brown.
Can I bake these at a higher temperature?
Baking at 325-350°F is recommended to ensure the mushroom cooks through without burning the cheese, but you can go slightly higher if you monitor them closely.
How many mushrooms are included in this specific recipe?
The recipe is designed for 2 large portabella mushroom caps.
What should I do with the remaining melted butter?
Once the mushrooms are stuffed, dot the tops with any remaining melted butter before putting them in the oven.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the version of Rotel and pizza sauce you choose; you can use 'Mild' Rotel for a family-friendly version.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
What is the best way to reheat these pizzas?
Reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture of the mushroom.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
Yes, you can use diced fresh tomatoes, though you may want to add some green chilies or extra seasoning to mimic the Rotel flavor.