I love how this recipe brings together earthy mushrooms, rich cheese, and a sweet-and-spicy maple drizzle to create a flavourful twist on pizza. It’s comforting, simple, and just the kind of dish I like to make when I want something familiar yet still special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m drawn to this recipe because it balances savoury and sweet so nicely. The mushrooms add great depth and texture, the mozzarella melts into a creamy layer, and the maple-chili drizzle gives the whole pizza a uniquely Canadian flair. I also appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the maple chili drizzle:
¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp chili flakes
For the pizza:
250 g (approx 8–10 oz) pizza dough (for one 12-inch pizza)
225 g (approx 8 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced
⅓ cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
I preheat my oven as hot as it will go (ideally around 550 °F / ~290 °C). If I’m using a pizza stone, I place it in the oven before turning the heat on.
To make the maple chili drizzle, I combine the maple syrup and chili flakes in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and heat it until it just starts to bubble. Then I set it aside to cool.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the sliced mushrooms until golden and set them aside.
On a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted piece of parchment, I form the dough into a 10-12-inch circle. I spread the pizza sauce evenly, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, and top it with the cooked mushrooms.
I transfer the pizza on its parchment either onto a hot pizza stone or onto a baking sheet. I bake it for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Once it’s out of the oven, I drizzle some (or all) of the maple chili glaze over the pizza, slice it, and serve it with any remaining glaze on the side.
Servings And Timing
Yield: One 12-inch pizza (about 8 servings)
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~10 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Variations
I can add caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
Roasted red peppers make a great additional topping and add colour.
If I want a smoky aroma, I add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
For extra richness, I sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top before baking.
If I want a spicier kick, I increase the chili flakes in the drizzle.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place the slices in a 200 °C (400 °F) oven for 5-7 minutes until the crust is crisp again. I can also warm it in a covered skillet over medium heat, which keeps the bottom nicely crisp.
FAQs
What kind of dough should I use?
I use either homemade or store-bought dough. Both work well for this recipe, but I like a dough that has had time to rise because it gives a better texture.
Can I make this without a pizza stone?
Yes, I simply use a baking sheet. Preheating the sheet helps replicate the crispness usually achieved with a stone.
Can I change the type of mushrooms?
Absolutely. White button mushrooms, portobello slices, or a mix of mushrooms all work beautifully.
How sweet is the maple drizzle?
The drizzle is pleasantly sweet with a mild heat. I can adjust the chili flakes to make it spicier or more subtle.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Yes, I can cook the mushrooms and prepare the maple chili drizzle in advance, storing both in the fridge until I’m ready to assemble the pizza.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this classic Canadian pizza because it’s simple, flavourful, and a little different from the usual pizza night. The combination of savoury mushrooms, melty cheese, and that sweet-spicy maple drizzle creates a comforting and memorable dish that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on my own.
A uniquely Canadian pizza topped with golden mushrooms, melty mozzarella, and a sweet-spicy maple chili drizzle. It’s savoury, comforting, and quick to prepare — perfect for a flavourful twist on pizza night.
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Ingredients
Maple chili drizzle:
¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp chili flakes
Pizza:
250 g (approx 8–10 oz) pizza dough (for one 12-inch pizza)
225 g (approx 8 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced
⅓ cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to its highest setting (ideally 550 °F / 290 °C). Place pizza stone in the oven if using.
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine maple syrup and chili flakes. Heat until it starts to bubble, then set aside to cool.
Cook sliced mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat until golden. Set aside.
On floured or cornmeal-dusted parchment, shape pizza dough into a 10–12-inch circle.
Spread pizza sauce over dough, top with mozzarella and cooked mushrooms.
Transfer pizza (on parchment) onto hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from oven and drizzle with maple chili glaze. Slice and serve with extra glaze on the side.
Notes
Use store-bought or homemade dough that has been properly risen.
Adjust chili flakes for desired heat level in the maple drizzle.
Try other mushrooms like portobello or white button for variation.
Caramelized onions, red peppers, or smoked paprika make great additions.
Preheat baking sheet if not using a pizza stone for a crispier crust.
