Goat Cheese Mushroom White Pizza Recipe

A Pizza That Tells a Story

My grandson calls this my “fancy pants” pizza. I still laugh at that. It feels fancy but it’s really simple. It’s a pizza for when you want something different. It tastes like a cozy afternoon.

It reminds me of my friend Marie. She brought a similar pizza to a picnic once. Everyone was so surprised. They thought pizza was only red sauce. This matters because food can be a lovely surprise. It reminds us to try new things. What’s the last food that surprised you in a good way?

Why This White Sauce Works

Forget heavy cream sauces. This one is just garlic and yogurt. You cook the garlic until your kitchen smells amazing. Then you stir it into cool, tangy yogurt.

The warmth of the garlic mellows the yogurt. It becomes creamy and rich. Fun fact: Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt. This sauce matters because it’s light. It lets the other toppings shine. It won’t make you feel too full.

The Magic of Toppings

You must cook the mushrooms first. I learned this the hard way. Raw mushrooms on a pizza can be soggy. Not good. Cook them in a hot pan with the onions.

Let them get a little brown. That’s where the flavor is. Then comes the fun part. You add little dots of goat cheese. It gets soft and tangy in the oven. Do you have a favorite pizza topping that might seem unusual?

A Hot Pan Trick

Here is my best tip. Put your empty pizza pan in the oven first. Let it get screaming hot. This is the secret to a crispy crust.

Roll your dough on parchment paper. Then you can slide the whole thing onto the hot pan. No mess, no fighting with dough. It works every single time. I wish I knew this trick fifty years ago!

The Final Touch

Watch the pizza carefully at the end. A quick broil makes the cheese golden. It makes all the difference. Let it cool for just a minute before you slice.

I love adding a handful of fresh arugula on top. The peppery green tastes so good with the creamy cheese. It makes it feel like a whole meal. Would you try the arugula, or keep it simple?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil	1 Tbsp (15 mL)	For sauce
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	For sauce
Plain Greek yogurt	½ cup (120 g)	For sauce
Salt and pepper	Pinch	For sauce
Oil	1 Tbsp (15 mL)	For toppings
Mushrooms	½ cup, sliced	For toppings
Salt	Pinch	For toppings
Red onion	¼ cup, sliced	For toppings
Cherry tomatoes	5, halved	For toppings
Shredded mozzarella cheese	½ cup (100 g)	For toppings
Goat cheese	2 oz (60 g)	For toppings
Arugula	2 cups	Optional, for toppings
Pizza dough	1 (12-inch)	For dough
Olive oil	1 Tbsp (15 mL)	For dough

A Cozy Kitchen Story & How-To

Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let’s make a pizza that feels like a hug. It’s my Goat Cheese Mushroom White Pizza. No red sauce here, just creamy goodness. It reminds me of my friend Margot’s garden. She always had the plumpest mushrooms. I still laugh at that.

We’ll start with the “white sauce.” It’s really just garlic and yogurt. Doesn’t that sound simple? Cook the garlic until your whole kitchen smells amazing. Then stir it into the yogurt. It becomes so rich and tangy. You’ll want to eat it with a spoon, but wait!

Now, let’s get that dough ready. Here is my hard-learned tip for you. (Always heat your empty pizza pan in the oven first. A hot pan gives you a crispy crust right away. No soggy bottoms here!) Roll your dough on parchment paper. It makes moving it so much easier. Trust your grandma on this one.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F. Put your empty pizza pan inside. Let it get hot. Warm oil in a pan. Add your minced garlic. Cook it until it’s soft and smells wonderful. Be careful not to burn it. Stir the garlic into the Greek yogurt. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Set your creamy sauce aside.

Step 2: Use the same pan for the veggies. Add another splash of oil. Lay your mushroom slices in one layer. Sprinkle them with salt. Let them cook for five minutes. They will start to turn golden. Now add your sliced red onion. Cook for three more minutes. You want them both nice and soft.

Step 3: Roll your pizza dough on parchment paper. Brush it with a tablespoon of olive oil. This keeps it tasty. Now, spread your white sauce all over. It’s like painting a canvas. Top it with mozzarella cheese first. Then add your mushrooms, onions, and tomato halves. Crumble the goat cheese on top. It’s the fancy finish.

Step 4: Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Then move it up to a higher rack. Turn on the broiler for two minutes. Watch it closely! You want golden, bubbly cheese. What’s your favorite pizza topping? Share below! Let it cool a minute. Top with fresh arugula if you like. That peppery green is so good.

Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Yield: 1 pizza (about 4 slices)
Category: Dinner, Main Course

Three Fun Twists to Try

Recipes are just a starting point. You can play with them! Here are three easy twists for our pizza. They make it feel brand new. I love changing it with the seasons.

The Garden Party: Skip the mushrooms. Use thin slices of zucchini and yellow squash instead. Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest after baking. It’s so bright and summery.

The Cozy Autumn: Use sliced roasted butternut squash. Swap the goat cheese for creamy blue cheese. Add a drizzle of honey after it comes out of the oven. Sweet and savory together.

The Spicy Kick: Add sliced spicy sausage or pepperoni before baking. After baking, top with a handful of fresh arugula and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It has a wonderful bite. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This pizza is a full meal on its own. But a little something on the side is nice. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is perfect. It cleans your palate. You could also serve it with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. That’s pure comfort.

What to drink? For a grown-up treat, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully. It’s crisp and light. For everyone, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and a few fresh raspberries. It feels so special. Which would you choose tonight? Now, dig in while it’s warm.

Keeping Your Pizza Perfect

This pizza is best fresh. But leftovers are a treat! Let it cool completely first. Then wrap slices tightly. They will keep in the fridge for two days.

You can freeze it too. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then place them all in a freezer bag. I once forgot a slice in the back for a month. It reheated beautifully!

To reheat, use your oven. It keeps the crust crisp. Bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes. This matters because a soggy pizza is a sad pizza.

You can also make the toppings ahead. Cook the mushrooms and onions. Store them in a container for two days. This makes dinner come together so fast. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your dough too springy? Let it rest. Cover it with a towel for ten minutes. It will relax and become easier to stretch. I remember fighting with dough for years before learning this.

Are your veggies too wet? Cook them well. Sauté until they look dry. This matters because extra water makes your pizza soggy. No one wants a wet crust.

Is the cheese not browning? Use the broiler. Watch it closely for just two minutes. This quick step adds great flavor and color. It makes your pizza look shop-bought.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn what works. Your food tastes better every time. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pizza Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make it gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Check the baking instructions on its package.

Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese? A: Feta cheese is a great swap. It has a similar tangy flavor.

Q: Can I make parts ahead? A: Absolutely. Make the white sauce and cook the veggies a day early.

Q: How do I make more? A: Simply double all the ingredients. You may need two pizza pans.

Q: Is the arugula important? A: It is optional but lovely. The peppery green adds a fresh crunch. *Fun fact: Arugula is also called “rocket” in many places!* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this recipe. It feels fancy but is so simple. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. Share your creation with someone you love.

I would love to see your pizza masterpiece. Your version might give me a new idea. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @ChloesKitchen. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Chloe Hartwell.