Pin it Transform a basic frozen pizza into a flavorful, gourmet-style meal with canned mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a generous layer of extra cheese. This delicious upgrade is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
I started upgrading frozen pizzas during busy weeks, and these extra toppings always make dinner feel fun and satisfying. It's amazing how such simple additions completely transform the taste and texture.
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza: 1 pizza (any style, such as 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 Oven:
- Preheat your oven according to the frozen pizza package instructions, typically 220°C/425°F.
- Prepare Pizza:
- 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.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the extra shredded cheese over the entire pizza, covering mushrooms and existing toppings.
- Add Herbs and Pepper:
- Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional Olive Oil:
- Drizzle with olive oil if you want a richer flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for the time indicated on the package, usually 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Pin it My kids love helping sprinkle extra cheese, and we all enjoy customizing toppings together for pizza night. It's become a little tradition that adds excitement to family meals.
Required Tools
Oven, baking tray or pizza stone, knife, cutting board for garnishes
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (pizza base) and milk (cheese). Check all labels if you have specific allergies, as some frozen pizzas include soy or egg.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on standard cheese pizza with added toppings): approximately 380 calories, 17 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein.
Pin it This easy pizza upgrade is a weeknight favorite that proves simple tweaks can make everyday meals memorable.
Common Questions
- → What type of mushrooms work best as a topping?
Canned sliced mushrooms are convenient and blend well with other flavors, but fresh mushrooms can also be sautéed and used for added texture.
- → Which herbs enhance the flavor without overpowering?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme provide a balanced, aromatic profile that complements cheese and mushrooms nicely.
- → Can different cheeses be used besides mozzarella?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even plant-based cheese alternatives for varied taste and texture.
- → Is it necessary to drizzle olive oil before baking?
Olive oil adds richness and helps meld the flavors but can be omitted if a lighter result is preferred.
- → How can I make this dish more colorful and fresh?
Adding chopped fresh parsley or basil as a garnish after baking brings vibrant color and a fresh herbal note to the dish.