Wild Rice Pizza
A celebration of Minnesota's official state grain. Native wild rice harvested from the lakes of the north, combined with earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a rich cream sauce. A unique pizza that tastes like the North Woods.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Cook the wild rice: Cook wild rice according to package directions (usually 45 minutes). It should be tender but still have a slight chew. Drain and set aside.
Make the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
Caramelize the onions: Slice onion thinly. Cook in butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
Saute the mushrooms: In a hot skillet with butter, saute sliced mushrooms until golden brown and all moisture has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Make the cream sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and nutmeg.
Preheat oven: Place pizza stone on the lowest rack and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Shape and assemble: Stretch dough into a 14-inch round. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted peel. Spread cream sauce over dough. Top with fontina, then scatter wild rice, mushrooms, and caramelized onions.
Bake: Slide pizza onto the hot stone and bake 12-14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Finish and serve: Remove from oven, scatter fresh thyme leaves, and drizzle with truffle oil. Let rest 2 minutes, then slice and serve.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- True wild rice: Minnesota wild rice (Zizania palustris) is the state grain. It's hand-harvested from lakes and has a distinctive nutty flavor.
- Cultivated vs wild: Cultivated "wild rice" from California is less expensive but lacks the complex flavor of true lake-harvested rice.
- Add chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast makes this a heartier meal.
- Go forager-style: During season, add foraged chanterelles or morels for an incredible woodland pizza.
- Make it with leftovers: This is a great way to use leftover wild rice from wild rice soup or casserole.
- Pair with a local beer: A Minnesota craft beer, like Summit or Surly, pairs perfectly with this earthy pizza.