Pizza is a crowd-pleasing favorite for even the pickiest of eaters — unless you’re gluten-free, that is. Luckily, this is one of the most customizable dishes of all, and you don’t have to stick to the same boring base of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. For a satisfying gluten-free pizza crust, skip the usual ingredients and reach for some Portobello mushrooms instead. If you’re someone who loves mushrooms on pizza, this idea is definitely for you.
These large mushroom caps are the perfect blank canvases to cover in toppings, bake, and enjoy. They’re satisfyingly soft and mesh perfectly with traditional pizza toppings, but are hefty enough to hold those additions without falling apart. (As long as you avoid these common mushroom mistakes.) Besides being gluten-free, Portobello mushrooms are also chock-full of nutrients like potassium, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
To turn these from familiar fungi to the perfect pizza base, pull off the stem, scrape out the gills, and get ready to fill with toppings. (Some Portobellos are sold with their stems already removed, so you might not have to do all these steps.) Those earthy, umami flavors will pair perfectly with a classic spread of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and some freshly grated parmesan. But if you’re craving other pizza toppings, you can always get creative.
The best toppings for your Portobello caps
Just like traditional pizza crust, Portobello mushroom caps are the perfect blank canvas to top with a smattering of your favorite toppings. Start building your pie with an easy 3-ingredient pizza sauce, or other nontraditional options such as pesto or cheesy Alfredo sauce. Next, think toppings. These mushrooms have a mild meaty flavor. If you’re someone who likes sausage or pepperoni on your pizza, this base would blend in effortlessly and enhance the flavors of those favorite ingredients. Adding some acidic additions such as bell peppers or onions would also bring balance to those deep flavors.
To brighten up this hearty base, consider topping each pie with some leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula. Don’t forget the herbs too, such as fresh basil or parsley, or dried options like oregano or thyme for some additional spice and flavor. A drizzle of balsamic dressing could also cut through the noise with sweetness, making for much more complex, interesting bites.
Why dream of traditional pizza slices when you can have these mini pies instead? It’s the same treat you love with a healthier base and none of the gluten. From a party appetizer to a weeknight meal, this dish is the perfect balanced recipe to add to your repertoire. If you like it, try this cheesy gluten-free Hasselback potatoes recipe next.
