Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach: A Gourmet Delight

If you’re a fan of gourmet pizza, this Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach is a must-try! With a crispy, golden crust and a combination of rich, earthy mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s the perfect balance of flavors. A final drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar ties everything together, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to this savory pizza. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this pizza will surely impress.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza:

• 1 pizza dough for a 12-inch pizza

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Mushrooms:

• 3 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fresh baby spinach leaves
• 3 oz crumbled goat cheese
• Sprinkle of sea salt

For Finishing:

• 1 tbsp thick balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough and Sauce

• Preheat your oven to 550°F (290°C), or as high as your oven will allow. Prepare the pizza dough according to the instructions or use store-bought dough.
• Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and stretch or roll it into a 12-inch circle.
• Brush 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil evenly over the surface of the pizza dough, then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly on top.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil with ¼ tsp red pepper flakes.
• Once the oil is hot, add the sliced crimini mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and set the mushrooms aside.

Step 3: Top the Pizza

• Sprinkle ⅔ of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza dough.
• Evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms and ½ cup fresh baby spinach leaves over the cheese.
• Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by 3 oz crumbled goat cheese.
• Lightly season the top of the pizza with a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

• Bake the pizza directly on the oven rack or on a preheated pizza stone for 13-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Allow the pizza to cool for about 3 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

• Slice the pizza into 6 slices.
• Drizzle 1 tbsp thick balsamic vinegar over the pizza before serving for a delicious sweet-tangy finish.
• For an extra kick, you can sprinkle additional red pepper flakes on top (optional).

Recipe Tips:

• Balsamic Vinegar: For the best results, use a high-quality, thick balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction for the final drizzle. It adds a depth of flavor and sweetness that complements the tanginess of the goat cheese and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
• Goat Cheese Alternative: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta or even ricotta for a milder flavor.
• Pizza Stone: Baking your pizza on a pizza stone will give you the crispiest crust, but if you don’t have one, baking it directly on the oven rack also works great!

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per slice
• Servings: 6 slices

This Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach is the perfect gourmet-style pizza to make at home. The combination of flavors—earthy mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, fresh spinach, and tangy balsamic—creates a pizza that’s truly satisfying. Whether you’re serving this for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s bound to be a hit.

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