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Cool nights call for mushroom pizza. This one’s all about deep, savory flavor—golden, garlicky mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy-sweet balsamic finish on a crisp, chewy crust.

It’s simple, cozy, and weeknight-friendly. Prep the toppings while the oven heats, then bake until the edges are deeply golden and the cheese just starts to blister.

Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Cheesy, mushroom heavy, fall inspired pizza!

YES.

And it’s kind of perfect because I am celebrating another milestone in my cookbook journey with a now complete manuscript, and recipes that I’m literally jumping out of my skin to share with you guys!! ?

So while it’s been a few weeks of major hustle and bustle, I’m totally ready to just chill on the couch tonight with this whole pizza pie. Chill time…with pizza, that’s pretty much all I want or need in life right now. Obviously.

Ok well, truth? I am feeling oddly excited and ready to keep going, going, going…yes, sometimes I truly annoy myself. But like I’ve been saying, it’s my favorite season and I am ready to cook, bake, photograph and eat all the delicious fall foods, then maybe do a little trick-or-treating with Asher and watch some Halloween movies.

Perfection.

Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestBalsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Mushrooms – A mix adds depth (cremini + shiitake/oyster). Wipe, don’t rinse, to avoid sogginess; slice on the thicker side for meaty texture.

  • Goat cheese – Fresh chèvre crumbles creamy; aged goat cheese = tangier + slightly drier.

  • Balsamic – Reduction or thick glaze for that glossy, sweet-tangy finish; add after baking to keep shine.

  • Aromatics – Garlic + thyme/rosemary for woodsy vibes; red pepper flakes if you like heat.

  • Olive oil + butter – A little butter in the pan helps browning and flavor.

  • Pizza dough – Homemade or quality store-bought; room-temp dough stretches easier.

  • Optional – Mozzarella or fontina base for extra melt; baby arugula for a peppery finish; honey for a sweet contrast.

Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestBalsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

My original thinking behind this pizza was to make a potato and mushroom pizza, but then I made this gnocchi and was inspired by the buttery balsamic mushrooms and goat cheese. Then, just like that, this balsamic mushroom and goat cheese pizza was born. Thinly sliced delicata squash, balsamic garlic buttered mushrooms, fontina and truffled goat cheeses. Simple, but delish, the perfect pizza from now until spring. Oh, and this pizza can be ready in 30 about minutes…meaning we should probably be making this at least once a month.

The delicata squash is kind of the odd ball ingredient here, and if you’re not into it or your grocery store doesn’t carry it, you can either omit it completely OR swap in thinly sliced potato rounds. The key here is to slice the squash super thin, like super, super thin. Think paper style thin. I used a mandolin to do this, but a sharp knife can get the job done too.

Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestBalsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

The rest of the ingredients are kind of mandatory. The balsamic garlic buttered mushrooms are outta this world. I don’t think I need to explain the cheese, although I will say that while I love truffled goat cheese and I think it adds something special here, you can also use just regular old goat cheese. Either way, the pizza is going to be amazing. So good. 🙂

FAQ:

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes—let it sit at room temp so it stretches easily. Lightly oil your hands and surface to prevent tearing and keep the rim puffier.

How do I keep mushrooms from turning soggy?
Cook in batches over medium-high heat and don’t salt until they’ve taken on color. You want the pan mostly dry and the edges golden and crisp.

Should the balsamic go on before or after baking?
After. It keeps that glossy finish and prevents any bitterness from over-caramelizing in the oven.

Not a goat cheese fan—what’s a good sub?
Ricotta for mild creaminess or fontina for melty comfort. Expect a softer, less tangy flavor profile than goat cheese.

Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestBalsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza.

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories Per Serving: 278 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound pizza dough
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces mixed mushrooms halved if large
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 inch of a delicata squash seeded and thinly sliced (about 1/8 thick)
  • 4 ounces truffled or regular goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
  • flaky sea salt and black pepper
  • truffle oil for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and garlic, cook 30 second until fragrant. Add the balsamic and continue cooking 1 minute more or until the balsamic glazes the mushrooms.
  • On a lightly floured surface, push/roll the dough out until it is very thin. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Layer the squash rounds in and even layer. Add the mushrooms. Sprinkle over the cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and salt. Drizzle lightly with truffle oil, if using.
  • Transfer to the oven and bake 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden, the cheese has melted. Remove the pizza from the oven. Slice and serve!
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Balsamic Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Done and DONE.

This post was originally published on October 26, 2016
4.46 from 53 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Okay, I’ll say, “I’m sorry”, in advance, ’cause this is going to be a really long comment.
    First, oh my FREAKING god, this looks absolutely amazing and delicious! I’m like obsessed with all things mushroom, I truly think if I should choose one thing to eat the rest of my life, it would probably be mushroom…or maybe I like aubergines better, anyway! THIS. LOOKS. AMAZING!

    Second, so the grocery stores here are afraid of all things different(I have decided to concluded), which means I can’t find delicata squashes..like, they just started to sell hokkaido and spaghetti squahes. Could i use butternut squash instead of delicata?Also, I can’t find fontina cheese anywhere…Is there another cheese I can substitute with? Maybe mozzarella?

    Lastly, I’m seriously dying to buy your cookbook. Maybe I’ll just steal you manuscript. Now you have been warned 😀

    Reply

    1. HEYYYYY! Oh my gosh, you are the best. haha! So, yes, butternut will be great, just thinly slice it. delish! And really, any cheese you love will be great. Mozzarella, havarti, whatever you like. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you! 🙂

      Reply

  2. I’m SO intrigued by this pizza–I love mushroom pizza! I don’t know what delicata squash is. Is there a substitute for it? I’m thinking I can put some truffle oil on/in the goat cheese, right? Black or white truffle oil? Can’t wait to try this! Thanks for posting! The photos are amazing! xoxo

    Reply

    1. Hey Ginger! Yes, you can either omit the squash or use a small potato in it’s place, Truffle oil will be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love the pizza! Thanks!

      Reply

  4. Omg. That stack of pizza slices! I want. I love the flavors in this pizza, especially since it’s loaded with mushrooms!

    Reply

    1. Hey Annie! Nope, no need to cook the squash first. Just be sure to thinly slice the squash. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love the pizza! 🙂

      Reply

  6. All my favorite things in one bite! It would be really hard to practice good portion control. I’ve never had truffled goat cheese before but if I did I would probably die and go to heaven.

    Reply

  8. Seems like a very hearty pizza, my kind! Although I’m not too crazy about goat cheese, I am willing to try it again maybe the next time around, I will learn to love it and be crazy about it as much as you are. This will be perfect with a side of green salad or maybe just shower the whole pizza with arugula and call it good?! 😉

    Reply

  10. Love! Love! Love pizza, even if I weren’t Italian. We have our pizza night on Tuesday and I’ll have to try your very inspiring ingredients. Have a wonderful day!

    Reply

  13. If there is pizza involved I know it’s going to be a great day. This pizza seriously just made my entire day look brighter, thanks T! P.S. I’m so down if you feel like putting goat cheese in everything from now on!

    Reply