There’s an undeniable charm to pizza that transcends cultures and palates – it’s a culinary masterpiece that always hits the spot, regardless of the occasion. For many, a homemade pizza night represents the pinnacle of comfort food, offering endless opportunities for creative expression with toppings and flavors. While classic renditions like Margherita hold a special place in our hearts, sometimes the adventurous spirit calls for something extraordinary. Enter our Truffle Mushroom White Pizza – a gourmet delight bursting with rich, earthy flavors and a luxurious garlic white sauce that promises an unforgettable experience.
The Art of Homemade Pizza: Why It Always Wins
For us, homemade pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. There’s a profound satisfaction in crafting a pizza from scratch, from the moment you knead the dough to the first bite of a perfectly baked slice. While we often gravitate towards the vibrant simplicity of a Margherita pizza, adorned with our Homemade Italian Pizza Sauce, we understand the desire for variety. Our signature red sauce, a labor of love that takes several hours to perfect, can be prepared in advance and frozen, making it a convenient “life hack” for impromptu pizza nights. For those times when a craving strikes and time is short, our Quick and Easy No-Cook Pizza Sauce Recipe comes to the rescue, proving that delicious homemade pizza is always within reach.
However, the true joy of pizza night lies in its versatility. Why limit yourself to one flavor profile when you can explore a spectrum of tastes? This very philosophy inspired us to create a distinctive alternative – a sophisticated white pizza that offers a stark, yet equally satisfying, contrast to traditional red sauce pizzas. This Truffle Mushroom White Pizza breaks new ground with its creamy base and rich, umami-packed toppings, providing a truly unique culinary adventure that will captivate even the most discerning pizza lovers.
Deconstructing the Flavors: What Makes Our Truffle Mushroom White Pizza So Special?
Inspired by the elevated offerings found in upscale pizzerias, we set out to replicate that gourmet experience right in our own kitchen. Our mission was to develop a white pizza that was not only rich and flavorful but also offered an intriguing blend of textures and aromas. The foundation of this masterpiece is a decadent white sauce, carefully crafted to be both creamy and intensely garlicky, setting the stage for the exquisite toppings that follow.
The Dreamy Garlic White Sauce for Pizza
A truly exceptional white pizza hinges on its sauce, and ours is nothing short of a dream. We dedicated ourselves to perfecting a garlic white sauce that rivals those found in the finest Italian restaurants and pizzerias. This isn’t just any white sauce; it’s a carefully balanced blend designed to complement and enhance every ingredient on the pizza. Its creamy texture and robust garlic essence provide a luxurious base, making each bite an indulgence. The secret lies in a perfectly cooked roux, slowly whisked with whole milk and infused with fresh garlic, kosher salt, white pepper, and a delicate pinch of nutmeg, then finished with grated Parmesan for an irresistible depth of flavor. This sauce truly elevates the entire pizza to a gourmet level.
Earthy White Wine and Butter Sautéed Mushrooms
Beyond the incredible garlic white sauce, the star of our pizza’s toppings are the exquisitely prepared mushrooms. We opt for cremini mushrooms, sliced to the perfect thickness, then sautéed in rich butter. This process not only brings out their natural umami but also tenderizes them beautifully. The magic truly happens when a splash of dry white wine is added to the pan, allowing the mushrooms to absorb its subtle acidity and sweetness as it evaporates. This technique infuses the mushrooms with an incredible depth of flavor that is both earthy and aromatic. This savory mushroom mixture, combined with diced prosciutto and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, forms the heart of this pizza before it even enters the oven. The interaction between the creamy sauce, the tender mushrooms, and the salty prosciutto creates a symphony of flavors that is truly heavenly.
The Finishing Touch: Arugula and Truffle Oil
The culinary journey of our Truffle Mushroom White Pizza doesn’t end when it comes out of the oven. In fact, it’s just beginning to reach its full potential. The hot, cheesy pizza is immediately adorned with a vibrant topping of fresh arugula, lightly tossed in extra virgin olive oil. This simple addition is transformative, providing a delightful peppery bite and a much-needed burst of freshness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the white sauce and earthy mushrooms. Arugula is a secret weapon in many of our favorite pizza recipes, and its ability to complement and balance robust flavors shines brightest here, harmonizing with the profound umami of the mushrooms.
But for a truly unforgettable experience, a delicate drizzle of truffle oil is absolutely essential. While some might consider it an “extra” step, we assure you, this fragrant oil imparts an unparalleled aroma and a luxurious depth that elevates the entire dish. It’s the exclamation mark on a culinary statement, adding a touch of magic that binds all the flavors together in a sophisticated and irresistible way. Don’t skip this step – it’s what truly defines the “truffle” in our Truffle Mushroom White Pizza.
The Foundation of Flavor: Choosing the Perfect Pizza Crust
A phenomenal pizza is only as good as its crust, and here at Cooking With Wine Blog, we are staunch advocates for homemade pizza dough. While the convenience of a store-bought crust is tempting, especially on busy weeknights, the superior texture and flavor of a scratch-made crust are simply unmatched. When you’re putting so much effort into a gourmet pizza like our Truffle Mushroom White Pizza, making your own dough is a crucial step that pays dividends in taste and enjoyment. You might be surprised to discover just how easy and rewarding making pizza dough from scratch can be!
For those times when you haven’t had the foresight to plan ahead, our incredibly convenient 1-hour pizza dough recipe below is your go-to solution. This recipe is specifically designed to be quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for spontaneous pizza nights or busy weeknights. By the time you’ve prepped your luscious garlic white sauce and savory mushroom toppings, your dough will be perfectly risen and ready to be transformed into a crispy, chewy base.
However, if you’re chasing the authentic taste of Italy and have a bit more time on your hands, our Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe for the Perfect Crust is an absolute game-changer. This recipe will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling pizzeria in Naples, delivering a light, airy, and beautifully blistered crust that forms the foundation of truly exceptional pizza. While it requires a longer proofing time, the results are undeniably worth the wait, offering a depth of flavor and texture that connoisseurs will adore. Whichever dough you choose, remember that the crust is the canvas for your culinary masterpiece.
Savor Every Slice!
We pour our passion into every recipe we share, and this homemade Truffle Mushroom White Pizza is no exception. It’s a dish designed to bring gourmet flavors and a touch of elegance to your home kitchen, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a luxurious solo meal. We genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring every bite of this unique pizza. If you try this recipe, we would absolutely love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave us a comment below and share your experience, or tag us on Instagram @cooking_with_wine so we can see your delicious creations!
Craving more culinary inspiration? Explore some of our other popular and beloved recipes below for more delightful dishes that are sure to impress:
- Roasted Zucchini and Tomato Pasta
- Summer Pasta (Pasta D’Estate)
- Chicken Piccata with Caper Lemon Butter Sauce
- Roasted Red Pepper Pesto and Mozzarella Babka
- The Best Homemade Shrimp Scampi
📖 Recipe
Truffle Mushroom White Pizza
Pin Recipe
1 hour
8 minutes
1 hour 8 minutes
Dinner
American, Italian
6 servings
651 kcal
Ingredients
Garlic White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons (47 g) All-purpose flour – sifted
- 2 cups plus 2 teaspoons (500 ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
- 3.5 teaspoons (10g)) finely minced, pressed, or mashed raw garlic
- ¾ cup (70g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Mushrooms
- 8 oz (227g) cremini mushrooms – sliced about ½cm thick or just under ¼”
- 3 tablespoons (28g) butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine
Additional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Thinly sliced prosciutto, diced
- Arugula (tossed in 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil)
- Truffle Oil to drizzle generously at the end
1-hour Pizza Dough (yields about 4-5 personal pizzas)
- 1 cup (237ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup (65g) olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 3 cups (408g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs, dried
Instructions
Garlic White Sauce
- Begin by preparing a quick roux in a medium saucepan or skillet, ensuring it’s large enough to accommodate the milk and subsequent ingredients. Melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquid. Add the sifted all-purpose flour to the melted butter and stir thoroughly with a whisk to combine, forming a paste. Cook this mixture over medium (or slightly lower) heat for approximately 5-7 minutes. The goal is to cook the raw flour taste out without allowing it to brown, so stir frequently. The flour should completely absorb the butter.
- Once your roux is cooked, gradually add the whole milk to the mixture, whisking continuously and vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. This process will take a minute or two to achieve a smooth consistency. Stir in the kosher salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and finely minced garlic. Increase the heat to just above medium or medium-high and continue to stir and whisk. Initially, the mixture will appear quite thin, but it will gradually thicken – resist the urge to add more flour. Keep whisking until the sauce begins to boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. The final sauce should be thick and creamy, not overly pasty, and certainly not watery. Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If the sauce is too thin, continue to cook gently to reduce it further. If it becomes too thick, a splash of additional milk can be added while stirring to reach the desired consistency.
- Remove the finished garlic white sauce from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before spreading it generously onto your prepared pizza dough.
Mushrooms
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the sliced cremini mushrooms, kosher salt, fresh oregano, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, cook the mushrooms until they have absorbed all the butter and begin to release their own juices, becoming tender – this typically takes about 4 minutes.
- Pour in the dry white wine and increase the heat to medium-high. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid in the pan has almost completely evaporated and the mushrooms appear drier, slightly shrunken, and caramelized. The wine will have been fully absorbed, infusing the mushrooms with its subtle flavors. Taste the mushrooms again and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the sautéed mushrooms to a bowl, ready to be spread as a delicious topping on your pizza.
1-hour Pizza Dough** (makes 4-5 personal pizza crusts)
- To prepare the speedy 1-hour dough, begin by combining the honey and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Mix gently until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water, stir lightly, and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the yeast will activate and begin to bloom, indicated by a foamy layer forming on the surface.
- Next, add the olive oil, all-purpose flour, salt, and dried Italian herbs to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on medium speed. Continue to mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, and the dough collects around the dough hook, forming a smooth, elastic ball. If you’re mixing by hand, combine ingredients in a large bowl, then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Shape the dough into a relatively tight ball. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into a clean, large bowl, then place the dough ball inside, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place to rise. An excellent warm spot is an oven with just the light on (do not preheat the oven). Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour for this quick dough.
- Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into individual balls, one for each personal pizza crust you intend to make. When you’re ready to assemble your pizza, press or roll each dough ball into a round crust, adjusting the thickness to your personal preference.
Cooking Pizza
- For the best possible homemade pizza, utilizing a pizza stone is highly recommended. If you have one, position the pizza stone on a rack in the upper third of your oven. Preheat your oven to its highest possible temperature (e.g., 450°F / 232°C or higher). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, allow the pizza stone to continue heating for an additional 30 minutes. This ensures the stone is thoroughly hot, which is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Use this waiting time to prepare all your sauce and toppings.
- When you are ready to cook your pizza, switch your oven to the broiler setting for 5 minutes to superheat the stone even further. While the broiler is on, quickly add your prepared garlic white sauce, sautéed mushrooms, diced prosciutto, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to your pizza crust. Before carefully sliding your pizza onto the hot pizza stone using a pizza peel, remember to switch the oven back to the highest bake setting (e.g., 450°F / 232°C+).
- Bake the pizza for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn a golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Then, switch your oven back to the broiler setting and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a slightly more browned, crispy crust and beautifully melted, lightly charred toppings. Keep a close eye on it during this stage to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, don’t worry! Simply preheat your oven to its highest temperature with a heavy-duty baking sheet or a round pizza pan inside. Once heated, place your assembled pizza directly onto the hot baking sheet/pan. Bake for the recommended 5-7 minutes. Depending on your oven’s exact temperature, you might need an extra few minutes of baking. Check your pizza at the 5-7 minute mark and add a couple more minutes as needed before finishing with a 1-2 minute broil to crisp the crust and melt the toppings perfectly.
- Once baked to perfection, carefully remove your Truffle Mushroom White Pizza from the oven. Immediately top with the olive oil-dressed arugula, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a generous drizzle of truffle oil. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot, allowing everyone to savor the exquisite combination of flavors.
Nutrition
Calories:
651
kcal
Carbohydrates:
63
g
Protein:
16
g
Fat:
36
g
Saturated Fat:
13
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
18
g
Trans Fat:
0.5
g
Cholesterol:
48
mg
Sodium:
1587
mg
Potassium:
430
mg
Fiber:
3
g
Sugar:
6
g
Vitamin A:
600
IU
Vitamin C:
1
mg
Calcium:
295
mg
Iron:
4
mg
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!