Scott Uehlein

When tasked with developing a high-flavor, craveable sauce that meets brand benchmarks and budget ideals, the MOD Pizza R&D team turned to the Mushroom Council to develop this recipe, resulting in a winning LTO. The Super Shroom Pizza features an umami bomb base of mushroom pesto: a sauce of blended button, porcini and shiitake mushrooms with Parmesan and pecorino cheeses, garlic and a hint of herbs. The pizza is loaded with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh mushrooms, fresh spinach, Italian sausage and fresh rosemary.

Scott Uehlein, VP Culinary Excellence & Innovation at MOD Pizza, points to mushrooms as one of his key ingredients. “With their neutral flavor and umami properties, they are easily paired with other ingredients, enhancing flavors of everything around them,” he says. “Since the Super Shroom launch, we’re using mushrooms in new and unique ways, not only to naturally boost umami but also to add juiciness and, in some cases, even mitigate costs in a natural and delicious way.”