Kale, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza

Wow, hey guys! I've been MIA, huh?

It's been a busy few weeks that has overlapped with a bit of a cooking rut. I've been making plenty of food but I've had a hard time feeling inspired by the meals I've made. I'm hoping to turn that around this week and bring you some yummy spring recipes!

I've historically found that when I find myself in a rut, the best thing to do is to make something that is familiar and undeniably delicious no matter what. For me, that food is pizza. Put anything on a chewy crust and cover it in gooey cheese and, well, we're back in business!

This Kale, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza is made on my favorite, no rise crust which makes this a quick, easy and delicious meatless Monday meal! The edges of the kale get an amazing crispy char to them while the creamy goat cheese melts just slightly over the sauce. Mushrooms add a meaty element that really rounds out (ha!) the dish.

As with nearly any recipe I put out here on the internet, this is the perfect base pizza recipe that you can add and adjust to your heart's desire. Add some crispy ground sausage because OMG sausage, kale and mushrooms are the ultimate trifecta. Want more veggies? Throw 'em on! Just remember not to overcrowd your toppings because it risks making your crust soggy and that would be sad.

I see your cooking rut and I raise you one quick, tasty, wonderfully composed pizza recipe. Ahh, it feels good to be back.


Here's what you need for Kale, Mushroom, and Goat Cheese Pizza* (Print Recipe!)

1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup pizza sauce (use your favorite store bought variety!)
1/2 cup torn kale leaves
1/4 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste

Here's what you do

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and place a pizza pan, stone, or cast iron skillet in the oven to warm up.

Dissolve the yeast with the warm water in a medium mixing bowl and allow to bloom for 5 minutes. Add the flour, olive oil, sugar and garlic salt and stir vigorously for 20 strokes until well combined. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove the warm pan from the oven and drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil. Press the dough into the pan, starting from the center and working your way to the edge, creating a slightly thicker crust as desired.

Ladle the pizza sauce into the center of the dough and spread outward to the crust. Sprinkle the kale evenly over the sauce. In a small bowl, toss the mushrooms with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread the mozzarella evenly and generously over the kale then lay the marinated mushrooms on top. Lastly, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, grated parmesan, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes over the pizza.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and just starting to turn golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

*Gas Stove Girl original recipe