This white mushroom pizza brings together buttery caramelized onions, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy garlic sauce that makes every bite rich and comforting. I first tried white pizza at a tiny Italian spot years ago, and the creamy, garlicky base won me over instantly. Now I make this at home whenever I'm craving something cozy and a little indulgent.
If you're looking for more comforting dinner ideas, my Fettuccine Alfredo and Gambas al Ajillo are perfect alongside this pizza, or try pairing it with something hearty like Chicken Pulao for a full spread.
Why You'll Love This White Mushroom Pizza
This homemade White Mushroom Pizza is rich without being heavy, and every topping works together beautifully. The creamy pizza sauce clings to the crust, the caramelized onions add a hint of sweetness, and the mushrooms bring depth and texture.
It's a simple White Mushroom Pizza recipe that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. Plus, the dough rests overnight, so you can prep ahead and just assemble everything when you're ready to bake.
If you love comfort food pizza with big flavor, this one delivers.
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White Mushroom Pizza Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this White Mushroom Pizza from scratch.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the pizza crust and gives it structure. Two cups is just enough for one thin, crispy pizza.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the yeast.
- Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise slowly overnight, creating a light, airy texture with minimal effort.
- Water: Brings the dough together. You'll need about ¾ cup, but add it gradually until the dough just forms.
For the Toppings:
- Yellow onions: These caramelize into sweet, golden strands that add depth and a touch of sweetness to the pizza.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions low and slow until they turn soft and golden brown.
- Salt and pepper: Season the onions and mushrooms for balanced flavor.
- Button mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they soak up the seasoning and add a savory layer to the pizza.
- Dried thyme: A small amount adds a subtle herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness on top of the pizza. It's mild and creamy, perfect for white pizza with caramelized onions.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but a handful sprinkled on top adds color and a fresh finish.
For the Sauce:
- Butter: The base for the creamy garlic sauce. It adds richness and helps the garlic bloom.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed in butter, it infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cream cheese: Creates a thick, creamy texture that clings to the pizza dough. It's the heart of this garlic cream sauce pizza.
- Milk: Thins out the cream cheese just enough to make it spreadable and smooth.
- Salt: Balances the richness and brings out the garlic flavor.
How to Make White Mushroom Pizza
Follow these steps to make your white mushroom pizza from scratch.
Prepare the dough: Combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast in a bowl and stir everything together. Gradually add about ¾ cup of water, mixing until the dough just comes together. It should look shaggy but hold its shape. Cover the bowl loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. The dough will rise and become bubbly.
Caramelize the onions: About 1.5 hours before you plan to eat, slice the yellow onions thinly. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir every 2 to 3 minutes and let them cook slowly for 45 minutes until they turn golden brown and soft. Set them aside.
Cook the mushrooms: Slice the button mushrooms and add them to the same skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release moisture at first, then turn golden as the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the cream sauce: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the cream cheese, milk, and salt, then whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the pizza dough: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Once the dough has finished resting and looks bubbly, sprinkle a little flour on top and gently roll it out into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a greased 16-inch pizza pan, pressing it gently toward the edges so it stretches to fit.
Assemble the pizza: Spread the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon. Layer on the caramelized onions, followed by the sautéed mushrooms, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top right after baking for a pop of color and freshness.
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily adjust this easy White Mushroom Pizza recipe based on what you have on hand.
Dough: If you don't have time for overnight dough, use store-bought pizza dough or a pre-baked crust. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
Onions: Red onions or sweet onions work just as well and will caramelize beautifully.
Mushrooms: Try cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
Cheese: Swap mozzarella for fontina, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses. Goat cheese or ricotta also add a tangy, creamy twist.
Sauce: If you don't have cream cheese, use heavy cream and a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.
Add protein: Top the pizza with cooked chicken, bacon, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Make it vegan: Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based mozzarella. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
Equipment For White Mushroom Pizza
Here's what you'll use to make this White Mushroom Pizza.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the dough ingredients and letting it rest overnight.
- Skillet: To caramelize the onions and cook the mushrooms.
- Pot: For making the creamy garlic sauce.
- Pizza pan (16-inch): Holds the dough and allows the crust to bake evenly. You can also use a baking sheet if you don't have a pizza pan.
- Spoon for spreading sauce: Helps you spread the cream sauce smoothly over the dough.
How to Store Leftovers
This White Mushroom Pizza keeps well if you have any slices left over.
Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap slices in foil. It'll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to crisp up the crust.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 400°F for about 12 minutes.
Dough: If you make extra dough, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Serving Suggestions
This White Mushroom Pizza pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides.
Green salad: Toss arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan. The peppery greens balance the richness of the pizza.
Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for a cozy, vegetable-forward meal.
Garlic bread: If you're feeding a crowd, warm garlic bread on the side is always a hit.
Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy, earthy flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips
Don't rush the onions: Caramelizing onions takes time, but slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Keep the heat low and stir every few minutes to prevent burning.
Use room-temperature dough: If your dough has been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out. It'll be easier to stretch and shape.
Preheat your oven fully: A hot oven (500°F) is key to a crispy crust. Let it preheat for at least 20 minutes before baking.
Don't overload the toppings: Too many toppings can make the White Mushroom Pizza soggy. Stick to the amounts listed for the best texture.
FAQ
What usually goes on a White Mushroom Pizza?
White Mushroom Pizza typically features a creamy sauce made from garlic, butter, and cheese (like ricotta, cream cheese, or mozzarella), instead of tomato sauce. Toppings often include mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs. My version uses a simple cream cheese and garlic sauce with caramelized onions and mushrooms for a rich, savory flavor.
What sauce goes on mushroom pizza?
White Pizza works beautifully with both red tomato sauce and white cream sauce. For this recipe, I use a creamy garlic sauce made with butter, cream cheese, and milk. It's silky, rich, and complements the earthy mushrooms without overpowering them. You can also use alfredo sauce or a simple garlic butter base.
What is the white sauce they put on pizzas?
The white sauce on pizza is usually a creamy, garlic-based sauce made with ingredients like butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, ricotta, or parmesan. Some versions use béchamel (a milk and butter roux), while others keep it simple with garlic, olive oil, and cheese. My recipe uses cream cheese, milk, butter, and garlic for a smooth, flavorful sauce that's easy to make.
What's on a traditional white pizza?
A traditional White Mushroom Pizza usually includes mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes parmesan. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano are often added, and some versions include spinach or arugula. White pizza skips the tomato sauce and focuses on creamy, garlicky flavors. My version adds caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and richness.
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Pairing
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White Mushroom Pizza
Ingredients
DOUGH
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for the pizza base
- 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning the dough
- ¼ teaspoon instant yeast quick-acting yeast
- ¾ cup water approximately adjust to form dough
TOPPINGS
- 3 small yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing onions and mushrooms
- a pinch salt and pepper for seasoning
- 8 oz button mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme for flavoring mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella for topping
- handful fresh parsley optional for garnish
SAUCE
- 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing garlic
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 4 oz cream cheese for the creamy sauce
- ½ cup milk for thinning the sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt for seasoning the sauce
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add water gradually until the mixture forms a dough ball. Loosely cover and rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
- Slice the onions thinly. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté onions for about 45 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes until golden and sweet.
- While the onions cook, slice mushrooms. Remove onions from skillet and cook mushrooms with salt, pepper, and thyme for about 10 minutes, until moisture evaporates.
- For the sauce, melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Then, whisk in cream cheese, milk, and salt until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 500°F, adjusting the rack to the highest position. Sprinkle flour on your dough and form it into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a non-stick pizza pan and stretch to the edges.
- Spread the garlic sauce over the dough, then top with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley after baking, if desired.
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