Bushra Griffith
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be personalised in many ways. While frozen pizza is convenient, it can be lacking in flavour. However, with a few simple tricks and fresh ingredients, you can elevate your cheese pizza and make it a gourmet meal. From adding fresh herbs and spices to creating a better sauce, there are endless ways to spice up your cheese pizza.
Characteristics of spicing up a cheese pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Meatballs, leftover chicken, cooked beef, pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage, bacon, chorizo |
| Vegetables | Spinach, arugula, green peppers, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, avocado, olives, garlic |
| Herbs and spices | Basil, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, chili flakes, cayenne powder, salt, pepper, dry herbs, spice blends, Trader Joe’s elote seasoning |
| Sauces | Olive oil, spicy honey, balsamic vinegar, pesto, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, wing sauce |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Parmigiano-Reggiano, burrata, blue cheese, ricotta, feta |
| Other | Eggs, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, cornmeal |
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What You'll Learn
Add fresh toppings like herbs, veggies, or meat
Fresh toppings can take your cheese pizza to the next level. You can add a variety of fresh herbs, veggies, and meats to elevate the flavours and create a delicious, gourmet pizza.
For herbs, try using fresh basil or thyme, or classic Italian seasonings like oregano and garlic powder. If you want to spice things up, add some chilli flakes, cayenne powder, or crushed red pepper. You can also use fresh garlic, either thinly sliced or sautéed in olive oil to bring out its sweeter notes.
When it comes to veggies, the options are endless. Try sliced green peppers, cherry tomatoes, or Kalamata olives. You can also add a leafy green like spinach or arugula, but be sure to add these just a minute or two before the pizza is done so they stay fresh and crisp. Other vegetables that work well include sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, tossed in olive oil and seasonings.
If you're looking to add meat, try using cooked beef, leftover shredded chicken, or meatballs. You can also add other leftover proteins like pork or steak, just be sure to thinly slice them. For a meaty and creamy bite, add some ricotta cheese and you've got yourself a Taco Pizza.
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Use better cheese, like fresh mozzarella or burrata
Using a higher-quality cheese, such as fresh mozzarella or burrata, can elevate the taste of a simple cheese pizza. Fresh mozzarella is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk or water buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and blends well with other pizza ingredients like tomato sauce and basil. To prepare a pizza with fresh mozzarella, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly brush the pizza crust with olive oil and spread the sauce evenly. Add slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, leaving a small rim of crust exposed. Sprinkle dried oregano and finish with fresh basil after baking for a delicious, creamy Margherita pizza.
Burrata is a type of cheese that is similar to mozzarella but taken to the next level. It is made by forming fresh mozzarella into a pouch and filling it with soft mozzarella and cream. The result is a luxurious, creamy, and slightly sweet cheese. When using burrata on a pizza, it is important to exercise restraint with other toppings to let the cheese shine. A simple combination of blistered cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, and arugula can complement the burrata without overwhelming its delicate flavor.
To make a burrata pizza, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, to mimic the heat of traditional Neapolitan wood ovens. Use a pizza stone if possible, as it helps achieve a crispy, chewy crust. Roll out your dough, preferably a chewy, blistered crust made with whole wheat or premade dough, and top it with your desired sauce, such as tomato or pesto. Bake the pizza until the crust is almost done, then remove it from the oven and add dollops of burrata. Return the pizza to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melty and hot.
For added flavor, sprinkle spices, fresh basil, or roasted garlic on top of the melted burrata. Remember to let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, burrata cheese adds a decadent touch to any pizza, making it a gourmet treat for cheese enthusiasts.
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Add sauce-like toppings, like olive oil or pesto
Adding sauce-like toppings such as olive oil or pesto is a great way to spice up a cheese pizza. Both toppings are versatile and can be added to a pizza in a variety of ways.
Olive Oil
Olive oil can be added to a pizza before the sauce and other ingredients, or it can be drizzled over the pizza after it has been fully assembled. When using olive oil, it is recommended to pour rather than brush it onto the pizza. A metal oil canister or a wine bottle with a spout can be used for pouring.
Pesto
Pesto can be spread on the pizza crust before baking. It can also be used as a topping after the pizza is baked. To make a pesto pizza, spread pesto on the pizza crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Bake the pizza on the bottom rack for 4 minutes. Remove the pizza from the oven and add the cheese and other toppings. Place the pizza back in the oven and bake until the crust is crisp and golden, which should take another 6 to 8 minutes.
Pesto can be combined with various toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, red onions, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper. Fresh basil can also be sprinkled on top of the pizza after baking.
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Try a fried egg on top
If you're looking to spice up a cheese pizza, why not try adding a fried egg on top? This simple addition can transform your pizza into a luxurious breakfast dish.
To get started, you'll need to prepare your pizza dough and sauce. If you're making your own dough, celebrity chef Bobby Flay recommends dissolving yeast in warm water and then mixing in flour and salt until you have a smooth and elastic dough. For the sauce, you can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own.
Once your dough and sauce are ready, it's time to assemble your pizza. After stretching your dough to the desired size, place it on a pizza stone or a baking sheet. Spread your sauce across the surface, and add a layer of cheese. You can use shredded cheese or fresh mozzarella, whichever you prefer. Now, it's time to fry an egg. Heat a pan to medium temperature and carefully crack an egg into it. Cover the pan and let the egg cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
When your egg is ready, place it on top of your pizza. You can either put it directly on the cheese or create a small indentation in the cheese and place the egg in it. This will ensure that the egg stays in place. Finally, bake your pizza in the oven at a temperature between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on your pizza to make sure the egg doesn't overcook. You want the yolk to remain slightly runny so that it mixes with the cheese and sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Adding a fried egg on top of your cheese pizza is a unique way to elevate this classic dish. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast or dinner, the fried egg adds a luxurious and indulgent touch that's sure to impress. So, if you're looking for a fun and unexpected twist, give this method a try!
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Use fresh, high-quality ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for creating a delicious cheese pizza. While frozen pizzas can be convenient, they often lack flavour and freshness. By choosing fresh ingredients, you can elevate your pizza and take it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Start with a good-quality cheese as the base. Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice, adding that signature gooey, stretchy texture to your pizza. If you're using fresh mozzarella, be mindful of its high water content and drain it well before slicing or grating it. You could also try other cheeses like burrata, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a more complex flavour.
For the sauce, opt for a simple, high-quality tomato sauce, or get creative with extra virgin olive oil, spicy honey, or balsamic vinegar. If you're feeling adventurous, add some pesto for a burst of flavour. You can even make your own sauce from scratch with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit. Fresh vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and kale can be thinly sliced, tossed in olive oil and seasonings, and added to your pizza. If you're using leftover cooked vegetables, just give them a quick sauté first. You can also add protein with shredded chicken, leftover meatballs, beef, or other meats. Don't forget to season your pizza with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to bring all the flavours together.
Remember, taking the time to choose and prepare fresh, high-quality ingredients will make all the difference in the taste and enjoyment of your cheese pizza. Your pizza will not only taste better but will also provide a more satisfying dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Some easy toppings to spice up a cheese pizza include sliced cherry tomatoes, spinach, arugula, ricotta cheese, meatballs, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, beef, black olives, pico de gallo, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, green peppers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and grape tomatoes.
You can add extra virgin olive oil, spicy honey, balsamic vinegar, or pesto to a cheese pizza to enhance its flavor.
You can add basil, thyme, garlic powder, oregano, chili flakes, cayenne powder, salt, pepper, dry herbs, or spice blends to a cheese pizza.
You can add eggs, chorizo, capers, fresh mozzarella, burrata, or leftover proteins such as shredded chicken, pork, or steak to a cheese pizza. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or kale.
