These shiitake crostini have been pickled in balsamic rice vinegar and paired with a creamy basil pesto ricotta spread for the perfect toasty bite.

I’ve never understood the mushroom haters.

There are definitely things out there weird enough that even my adventurous palate isn’t willing to try or like (um, the ant larvae served with smoked avocado tartare at the Cancun wine and food festival last week would be one of those things) but mushrooms don’t even come close to falling in that category.

This balsamic pickled shiitake crostini recipe was created in connection with my appointment as a contributor to the Nakano Natural and Seasoned Rice Vinegar.

And yet, I feel like the general population is split in half with lovers of all things fungi (me) and extreme haters just like the ever divisive cilantro.

I hope you’re a lover.

Because these balsamic pickled shiitake mushrooms are baller and worth every penny of their slightly ridiculous price tag ($10.99 a pound, really?!).

Lion’s mane mushrooms would also be great atop this crostini if you can find them. They’re probably even more expensive, but totally delicious with their meaty texture and umami flavor.

I was trying to explain the term umami to Ulysses the other day (the fact that he didn’t even know of the word was slightly concerning to his food blogging wife) and found it nearly impossible to put into words.

The one thing that kept popping into my head was ‘mushrooms!’ And it’s exactly how I describe my air fryer mushroom recipe.

I don’t even know if that’s an accurate definition but, to me, they epitomize that savory-ness that umami tries to corral in food.

When you pickle them in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, the whole umami factor just explodes exponentially.

You can learn how to pickle any fruit or vegetable with this quick pickling guide. Mushrooms and fennel happen to be two of my favorite pickled vegetables.

Nakano’s balsamic blend seasoned rice vinegar brings the perfect tang while the soy sauce highlights a little bit of saltiness in the mushrooms.

To offset that deep savory flavor, they’re placed on top of a refreshing basil pesto ricotta spread that will remind you summer is just around the corner (if this miserable NY weather ever lets up).

You could even top these shiitake crostini with some pickled shallots for another tangy layer to really brighten up the bite. Their pretty purple color would also complement the browns and greens beautifully.

We’ve never done the brunch thing for mom on Mother’s Day so if you’re anything like my family, throw these shiitake crostini on the menu instead.

Guarantee it’ll beat French toast any day.

Love this Balsamic Pickled Shiitake Crostini recipe?

Check out more Nakano recipes like these spicy pickled pineapple and this cilantro mango wild rice salad.