Are you tired of the same old pizza toppings? Fresh herbs are here to save the day! They not only add incredible flavors but also bring a pop of color and a touch of freshness to every slice. Whether you’re a herb aficionado or just starting to explore their culinary potential, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover the 15 best fresh herbs for pizza and learn how to prepare them like a pro. Let’s make your next pizza night a delicious herb-infused adventure!
The 15 Best Fresh Herbs to Put on Pizza
Fresh herbs are a fantastic way to elevate the flavor profile of your pizza. They add a burst of freshness and aroma that complements the other ingredients. Here are 15 of the best fresh herbs to put on pizza, along with tips on how to prepare them:
- Basil: Basil is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with pizza. Its aromatic and slightly sweet flavor adds a fresh dimension to any slice. To prepare basil, tear the leaves or chop them into fine ribbons and sprinkle them over the pizza just before serving.
- Oregano: Oregano is a staple herb in pizza sauce and can also be used as a topping. It has a robust, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can use fresh oregano leaves by stripping them from the stems and scattering them on the pizza. Alternatively, you can sprinkle dried oregano over the pizza before baking.
- Thyme: With its slightly earthy and lemony flavor, thyme is a wonderful herb to enhance the taste of pizza. Strip the leaves from the stems and scatter them on top of the pizza for a savory kick.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong and aromatic flavor that can take your pizza to the next level. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetables or meats. To prepare rosemary, remove the leaves from the woody stems and sprinkle them sparingly over the pizza.
- Parsley: Parsley provides a fresh and mild flavor that can brighten up your pizza. Finely chop the leaves and sprinkle them on top of the pizza after it comes out of the oven for a vibrant touch.
- Cilantro (Coriander): If you’re a fan of the vibrant taste of cilantro, it can add a unique twist to certain types of pizza. Chop the leaves and sprinkle them over the pizza as a finishing touch. Cilantro works particularly well with Mexican or Tex-Mex inspired pizza toppings.
- Sage: Sage has a distinct and slightly peppery flavor that can enhance the overall taste of your pizza, especially when combined with heartier toppings like sausage or roasted vegetables. Chop the leaves finely and sprinkle them over the pizza for an aromatic experience.
- Marjoram: Marjoram has a flavor profile similar to oregano but with a milder taste. It adds a delicate herbaceous note to your pizza. Strip the leaves from the stems and sprinkle them over the pizza either before or after baking.
- Chives: Chives offer a mild onion-like flavor and can be a delightful addition to your pizza. Chop them into small pieces and sprinkle them over the pizza after it’s cooked for a pop of flavor and color.
- Dill: While not commonly used on pizza, dill can provide a unique and refreshing twist, especially when paired with seafood-based toppings. Sprinkle the feathery leaves sparingly on top of the pizza to add a subtle hint of dill.
- Tarragon: Tarragon has a distinct anise-like flavor that can bring a unique taste to your pizza. Use it sparingly, as its flavor can be quite potent. Finely chop the leaves and sprinkle them on the pizza for a touch of complexity.
- Mint: Mint can offer a refreshing and cooling element to your pizza, particularly when combined with lamb or fresh vegetables. Chop the leaves and sprinkle them lightly over the pizza for a burst of minty freshness.
- Lemon Balm: Lemon balm has a citrusy flavor that can brighten up the overall taste of your pizza. Chop the leaves and sprinkle them sparingly on top of the pizza to add a hint of lemony zest.
- Cress: Cress has a peppery taste that can add a spicy kick to your pizza. The tender leaves can be used as a topping, either whole or roughly chopped, to provide a bold and zesty flavor.
- Fennel Fronds: The feathery fronds of fennel have a mild licorice-like flavor that can offer a subtle and aromatic touch to your pizza. Finely chop them and sprinkle them on top of the pizza to infuse a delicate hint of fennel.
10 Extra Tips
- Choose fresh and vibrant herbs: Opt for herbs that are bright in color and have a fresh aroma. This ensures that they are packed with flavor and will add the desired freshness to your pizza.
- Grow your own herbs: Consider growing your own herbs at home. This way, you’ll have a readily available supply of fresh herbs whenever you want to make pizza or any other dish.
- Experiment with herb combinations: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different herbs to create unique flavor combinations. Try blending basil and oregano or rosemary and thyme for a delightful twist.
- Add herbs at different stages: While some herbs are best added as toppings just before serving, others can be added during the baking process to infuse their flavors into the pizza. Experiment with adding herbs at different stages to find what works best for you.
- Use herbs in the sauce: Instead of just using dried herbs in the pizza sauce, try adding freshly chopped herbs to the sauce base. This adds an extra layer of freshness and complexity to the overall flavor.
- Consider herb-infused oils: Create herb-infused oils by gently heating olive oil with your favorite herbs. Drizzle the oil over the pizza after baking to impart an additional burst of flavor.
- Don’t overload the pizza: While herbs are wonderful additions, it’s important not to overwhelm the pizza with too many flavors. Choose a few complementary herbs and use them sparingly to maintain a balanced taste.
- Toast the herbs: For a unique twist, lightly toast the herbs in a dry pan before sprinkling them on the pizza. This can intensify their flavors and add a subtle smokiness to the overall dish.
- Use herbs as a garnish: In addition to sprinkling herbs over the entire pizza, consider reserving some to use as a garnish. Place a few fresh herb leaves or sprigs on top of the cooked pizza just before serving for an appealing visual element.
- Freshness is key: Remember that the flavor and aroma of fresh herbs diminish over time. Whenever possible, use herbs that are as fresh as possible to maximize their impact on your pizza.
Final Thoughts
Using fresh herbs on pizza can take your homemade pies to new heights. The burst of flavor and freshness they add can transform a simple pizza into a culinary delight. Whether it’s the classic combination of basil and oregano or the unique twist of mint or tarragon, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Remember to choose vibrant and aromatic herbs, and consider growing your own for a readily available supply. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to add herbs at different stages or try herb-infused oils for an extra layer of flavor. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza with too many herbs. Keep it balanced and let the herbs complement the other ingredients.
In the end, using fresh herbs on pizza is all about enhancing the overall taste and experience. So, go ahead and get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the wonderful flavors that fresh herbs bring to your pizza creations. Happy herb-infused pizza making!