Mellow Mushroom is a popular pizza restaurant chain known for its unique, fluffy pizza crust. Their distinct dough is an essential part of what makes Mellow Mushroom pizzas so delicious. But what exactly goes into making their famous pizza dough?
In just a few paragraphs, we’ll uncover the key ingredients and preparation methods that give Mellow Mushroom crust its signature taste and texture. We’ll look at how the dough is made fresh in-house rather than using frozen dough. And we’ll learn some insider tips and tricks from Mellow Mushroom chefs and bakers.
Whether you’re a diehard Mellow Mushroom fan looking to recreate their pizza at home, or just generally interested in learning more about pizza dough, read on to find out what makes the Mellow Mushroom crust so mellow and delicious.
The Main Ingredients
Mellow Mushroompizza dough contains just a handful of simple ingredients:
– Bread flour
– Water
– Yeast
– Sugar
– Salt
– Vegetable oil
Let’s break down the purpose and importance of each one:
Bread Flour
The base of the dough is bread flour. This high protein flour allows the dough to stretch and expand while maintaining structure and chew. Bread flour lends to a crispier crust and fluffier interior crumb. All-purpose flour can also work but may result in a denser, chewier crust.
Water
Water activates the gluten in the flour and allows the dough to bind together. Mellow Mushroom uses filtered water at a specific temperature range to optimize dough hydration.
Yeast
Yeast is responsible for leavening the dough. Active dry yeast is mixed with warm water to activate it. As the yeast feeds on the sugars, it produces carbon dioxide gas that inflates air pockets in the dough. This gives the crust a light, airy texture.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar provides food for the yeast and aids fermentation. Table sugar or malt syrup may be used. The sugar enhances browning in the crust and adds subtle sweetness.
Salt
Salt controls the fermentation rate and allows the flavors to develop. It also tightens the gluten structure. The right salt balance prevents overproofing without toughening the dough.
Vegetable Oil
Oil such as olive oil adds moisture, richness, and flexibility to the dough. Oil prevents the gluten from becoming too elastic. The added fat also enhances browning and crisping.
The Prep Process
In addition to using quality ingredients, Mellow Mushroom follows an extensive dough preparation process:
– The dough is made fresh daily on site rather than using frozen dough. This ensures peak freshness and flavor.
– The yeast is activated by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of the flour mixture. This “sponge” helps kickstart fermentation.
– The dough is mixed using spiral mixers that thoroughly hydrate and develop the gluten. Proper gluten development allows the dough to stretch without tearing.
– After mixing, the dough is allowed to ferment and rise. This amplifies the flavors and allows gases to expand.
– The dough is portioned into balls, coated with oil, and proofed a second time. The oil creates a soft, creamy crust while the second rise gives more lift.
– Some locations use extended cold fermentation times up to 72 hours. This develops complex flavors and textures.
– Skilled dough pressers hand stretch each dough ball right before topping and baking. This creates the signature thin, bubbly crust.
Top Secret Hacks
Mellow Mushroom likely tweaks and adjusts their dough recipe to perfection. But home bakers can emulate the Mellow Mushroom crust with a few pro tips:
– Try adding a spoonful of honey for enhanced browning, sweetness, and yeast food.
– Let the dough proof and rise twice for a higher, airier crust.
– Brush the shaped crusts with olive oil or butter before topping for irresistible richness.
– Use a pizza stone or steel to mimic the effects of a commercial deck oven.
– Opt for 00 flour for an authentic pizzeria-style crust with extra thinness and crunch.
– Add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the dough for a flavor boost.
– Use ice water rather than tap water for optimal dough hydration and rise.
– Press and stretch the dough by hand for a handcrafted appearance with charismatic bubbles.
Conclusion
Mellow Mushroom’s signature pizza crust is carefully crafted using quality ingredients, expert technique, and likely a few secret tricks. The result is a crisp, chewy, and slightly sweet crust with an incomparable flavor. While the exact recipe remains a mystery, home bakers can recreate a similar artisanal pizza crust with the right flour, yeast ratio, and dough handling. With some experimentation and practice, you can achieve the perfect balance of crunch and chew for a phenomenal home pizza night. So grab an apron and get ready to channel your inner Mellow Mushroom chef!
Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bread Flour | Provides structure, chew, crispiness |
| Water | Hydrates the dough, activates gluten |
| Yeast | Leavens the dough for airy texture |
| Sugar | Feeds yeast, enhances browning and sweetness |
| Salt | Controls fermentation, develops flavor |
| Oil | Adds moisture, richness and flexibility |
Dough Preparation Steps
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Made fresh daily | Ensures optimal freshness |
| Activate yeast in warm water | Kickstarts fermentation |
| Mix dough thoroughly | Develops gluten network |
| Allow dough to ferment and rise | Allows flavor and gas development |
| Portion, oil, and second rise | Improves texture and lift |
| Cold ferment up to 72 hours | Amplifies complex flavors |
| Hand stretch dough before baking | Creates signature thin, bubbly crust |
Helpful Hacks
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Add honey | Enhances browning and yeast growth |
| Double proof | Gets a higher, lighter crust |
| Brush with oil or butter before topping | Adds irresistible richness |
| Use a pizza stone | Mimics a deck oven |
| Try 00 pizza flour | Makes an extra thin, crispy crust |
| Add garlic, onion, Italian seasoning | Boosts flavor |
| Use ice water | Optimizes hydration and rise |
| Hand stretch dough | Gets artisanal appearance with bubbles |