This is step 8 in my complete guide to making pizza. Want to learn about other stages of the process in detail? Check out the link!
Let’s talk about finishing your pizza. Your delicious, gorgeous pizza has just finished baking. The crust is perfectly golden-brown, and the cheese is lusciously melty. It’s time to eat, right?
Not so fast.
Some of the most incredible pizza toppings are actually those that you put on after the pizza is done. These can include fresh herbs and greens, oils, finishing sauces, and more.
Selecting the right finishers for your pizza is often the difference between a really good home pizza and one that’s mindblowingly delicious. Adding these final ingredients at the right time allows the residual heat of the pizza to release their flavors and aromas, without baking those away in the oven. In some cases, it also preserves the textures of your finishing ingredients.
To be clear, not every pizza needs to be finished once it comes out of the oven. I’d say about 75% to 80% of my pizzas typically get something to finish them. This really can make a huge difference, and I definitely recommend giving it a try.
If you’re not sure what to finish your pizza with, check out this list of things I frequently use. This absolutely isn’t an exhaustive list, but I hope it’ll help get your creative juices flowing.
Herbal:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Chives
- Green onions
- Mint
- Gremolata
Greens and Floral:
- Arugula
- Microgreens
- Edible flower petals
- Bee pollen
Citrus:
- Agrumato (or lemon-infused olive oil)
- Lemon juice or zest
- Lime juice or zest
Smoky:
- Onion and garlic skin ash
- Smoked paprika (either as powder or in a drizzled sauce)
Cheese:
- Shaved ricotta salata
- Freshly grated parmesan
Others:
- Infused oils
- Chipotle sauce
- Crème fraîche
- Harissa
- Za’atar
- Balsamic reduction
- Freshly cracked pepper
- Pesto drizzle
- Hazelnut picada
- Chili flakes
- Honey
- Avocado
If you end up using any of these to finish your pizza, let me know how it turned out in the comments! It makes a big difference, right? (I’d also love to hear if you have a favorite ingredient for finishing your pizza that isn’t on this list, so I can add it for future readers.)
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