Save Transforming a frozen pizza into something special is possible with just a few simple ingredients. By adding canned mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and extra cheese, you can enjoy a flavorful pizza that tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
I started adding mushrooms and herbs to my frozen pizzas as a college student looking for a budget-friendly way to boost flavor. Now, it’s my go-to trick for turning a store-bought base into a satisfying meal everyone wants more of.
Ingredients
- Frozen 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 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 pizza, covering mushrooms and existing toppings.
- Add Seasonings:
- Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a few twists of black pepper.
- Optional Drizzle:
- Drizzle with olive oil for 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 & Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Save 
Save My family loves how quickly this upgraded pizza comes together for busy weeknights or movie nights in. Everyone has fun choosing their favorite herbs and extra toppings before baking.
Required Tools
Oven, baking tray or pizza stone, knife, and cutting board (optional, for garnishes)
Allergen Information
Contains gluten in pizza base and milk in cheese. Some frozen pizzas could contain soy or egg. For allergies, always read labeling carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 380 calories, 17 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein.
Save 
Save Serve your upgraded frozen pizza with a crisp green salad and a glass of Italian red wine for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mushrooms can be sliced and sautéed before adding to ensure moisture is reduced, keeping the crust crisp.
- → What type of cheese works best for extra topping?
Mozzarella or a pizza cheese blend melts well, but you can also experiment with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor.
- → How do herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme introduce aromatic, earthy notes that complement the savory toppings, balancing the overall taste.
- → Is olive oil necessary for this upgrade?
Drizzling olive oil is optional but adds richness and helps meld the flavors together, enhancing the texture of the crust and toppings.
- → Can this preparation be suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, by ensuring the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly, this approach aligns well with vegetarian preferences.