Truffled Mushroom Pizza with Arugula Salad

Step 1

MUSHROOMS: Clean and preheat your outdoor grill according to manufactures instructions if you’re making this on the grill. If you are preparing this in the oven, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 500ºF. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook stirring frequently until fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms along with the dried thyme. Cook for about 7-9 minutes or until the mushrooms brown and become tender. Season with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the mushrooms to a bowl or a plate and allow them to cool.

Step 2

DOUGH: Make sure the dough is at room temperature before you proceed. Shape the dough out into a large, 12-inch circle. At this point you’ll want to flour a pizza peel (or a pizza pan) with flour and gently place the dough on it. If you’re making this on the grill, gather all your pizza ingredients (I like to pop everything onto a sheet pan as it makes it easier to carry outside.)

Step 3

OUTDOOR GRILL: Spray the grill grates with nonstick cooking spray. Gently place the crust on the grill, cover and let the crust cook on one side before flipping it, about 2-4 minutes or until it’s browned on the underside but still doughy on top. Flip the dough using two tongs (or 1 pair of tongs and a spatula.)  Drizzle the cooked side with 1 tablespoon of truffle oil. Sprinkle on the fontina cheese, top with ½ the mushrooms followed by the fresh mozzarella and the remaining mushrooms. Continue to grill for another 4-6 minutes or until the cheese melts and the dough cooks through. Drizzle the pizza with the remaining tablespoon of truffle oil.

Step 4

OR OVEN: Place the shaped dough on a large round baking tray. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of truffle oil. Sprinkle on the fontina cheese, top with ½ the mushrooms followed by the fresh mozzarella and the remaining mushrooms. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for roughly 12-15 minutes or until the pizza crust is golden and the cheese is all melty! Drizzle the pizza with the remaining tablespoon of truffle oil.

Step 5

ARUGULA SALAD: When the pizza is almost done, toss the arugula, lemon juice, olive oil and a few shavings of parmesan cheese together season well with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Slice the pizza, top with arugula salad and serve warm!