Pizza is one of the most popular dishes around the world, loved for its delicious combination of savory toppings and gooey melted cheese.
Pepperoni and mushrooms are undoubtedly popular pizza toppings, but incorporating herbs into your pizza can take its flavor to new heights.
While it’s true that you don’t necessarily need a multitude of herbs and spices to create a delicious pizza, it’s undeniable that the way you blend and pair your seasonings can take your pizza from good to great.
In this article, we’ll explore the 13 best herbs for pizza and how to use them to create delicious and unique pizza toppings that will tantalize your taste buds.
Contents
1. Basil
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Basil is a very popular herb to use as a topping for pizza.
The classic pizza Margherita, for example, is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
Basil adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to pizza and can complement a wide variety of other toppings.
It pairs particularly well with tomatoes, garlic, and onions, but can also be used with mushrooms, olives, and many other ingredients.
When using basil as a pizza topping, it is best to add it to the pizza after it has finished cooking, so that the leaves retain their flavor and texture.
Fresh basil leaves can also be torn or chopped into small pieces before being added to the pizza, depending on your preference.
2. Oregano
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Oregano is another popular herb to use as a topping for pizza.
It is often used in conjunction with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings such as meats or vegetables.
Oregano adds a strong and distinctive flavor to pizza, which can help to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
In Italian-style pizza, oregano is often used in combination with basil, which provides a more subtle and complementary flavor.
Oregano is typically used in the dried form, and it is best to sprinkle it over the pizza just before serving so that the flavors are fresh and aromatic.
Sometimes I also like to use fresh oregano leaves as a topping, which can add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the pizza.
When using fresh oregano leaves, they should be added towards the end of the cooking process, so that they do not burn and retain their flavor and aroma.
3. Rosemary
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Rosemary can be a delicious herb to use as a topping for pizza, particularly if you are looking for a more savory and robust flavor.
It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as oregano, thyme, and basil to add complexity to the pizza’s flavor.
Rosemary is typically used in its dried form as a pizza topping.
Its woody and fragrant leaves can be easily sprinkled over the pizza.
It is best to add rosemary towards the end of the cooking process so that its flavors and aromas are fresh and vibrant.
Its fragrant aroma and woody flavor can help to add depth and complexity to any pizza dish.
4. Thyme
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Thyme is a versatile and flavorful herb to use as a topping for pizza, particularly in Mediterranean-style cuisine.
Thyme can be used on its own, particularly when paired with mild or sweet toppings such as tomatoes or caramelized onions.
Thyme leaves can be finely chopped or left whole, depending on your preference.
5. Parsley
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Parsley can be used as a pizza topping, particularly in combination with other herbs such as oregano and basil.
Parsley can be used fresh or dried, but the fresh variety is typically preferred as it has a stronger flavor and aroma.
It can be chopped finely or left in larger sprigs, depending on your preference.
6. Garlic
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Garlic is used in many different types of dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and sauces.
When using garlic as a pizza topping, it is best to use it in a minced or chopped form, rather than using whole cloves.
This can help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the pizza.
You can sauté garlic in a little bit of olive oil before adding it to the pizza, which can help to mellow its flavor and reduce its pungency.
Alternatively, garlic can be roasted in the oven and then added to the pizza as a topping.
When using garlic as a pizza topping, it is important to keep in mind that its flavor can be quite strong, so it should be used in moderation.
7. Red pepper flakes
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Red pepper flakes are a versatile pizza topping that can add a spicy kick to any pizza.
They are made from dried and crushed red chili peppers and are often used to add heat and flavor to many different types of dishes, including pizza, pasta, and stir-fries.
When used as a pizza topping, red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over the top of the pizza before or after baking.
The amount of red pepper flakes used can vary depending on personal preference, but it is important to keep in mind that they can be quite spicy, so it is best to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
8. Black Pepper
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When used as a pizza topping, black pepper can be sprinkled over the top of the pizza before or after baking.
Some studies suggested that black pepper may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of certain diseases.
It is easy to use and can be combined with a wide variety of other ingredients to create unique and flavorful pizza toppings.
9. Dill
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Dill can be used fresh or dried, but the fresh variety is typically preferred as it has a stronger flavor and aroma.
It can be chopped finely and sprinkled over the pizza, or it can be used in larger sprigs or fronds as a garnish.
It pairs particularly well with mild or sweet pizza toppings, such as tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
10. Fennel
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Fennel can be used in different forms as a pizza topping.
Fennel seeds can be sprinkled over the pizza to add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, while fresh fennel fronds can be used as a garnish or chopped finely and used as a topping.
You can also roast fennel bulbs in the oven and then add them to pizza.
11. Paprika
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The spice paprika is made from dried and ground sweet or hot peppers. Many types of cuisine use it, including Hungarian and Spanish.
Paprika can be sprinkled over pizza before or after baking when used as a topping.
Season meats and vegetables with paprika before adding them to the pizza.
It is easy to use and can be combined with a wide variety of other ingredients to create unique and flavorful pizza toppings.
12. Lemon peel
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Lemon peel has a bright and zesty flavor that can add a fresh and tangy taste to many different types of dishes, including pizza.
When used as a pizza topping, lemon peel can be finely grated or chopped and sprinkled over the top of the pizza.
It pairs particularly well with seafood and vegetable toppings, adding a zesty and bright flavor that can balance out richer or heavier flavors.
Lemon peel can also be used to infuse olive oil, which can be used as a pizza topping or dipping sauce.
To make lemon-infused olive oil, simply place lemon peel in a bottle of olive oil and let it sit for several days to infuse the oil with lemon flavor.
13. Onion flakes
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Onion flakes can add a sweet and savory flavor to the pizza, which can help to balance out richer or heavier flavors.
They are a great option for those who want to add the flavor of onions to their pizza without having to chop and cook fresh onions.
Conclusion
When using herbs as pizza toppings, it is important to keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
Herbs can be used on their own as pizza toppings, or they can be combined with other ingredients such as sausage, onions, or garlic to create a more complex flavor profile.
By experimenting with different herbs and toppings, you can create a unique and delicious pizza that is sure to impress your taste buds.
