It often takes only a few clever techniques to give a pizza depth, freshness and texture. Inspired by the creations of our pizzaiolo Filippo Licciardo, we’ve gathered practical ideas you can put into practice straight away.
Ingredients: Roasted flavours and intensity
Grill or roast vegetables in advance
Give your toppings time and heat before they hit the pizza: grilled courgettes, peppers or aubergines develop strong roasted flavours and attractive grill marks. Alternatively, roasting in the oven works just as well.
Slow-roast tomatoes for more depth
Slow-roasted tomatoes yield a concentrated, flavourful sauce. The extended cooking time intensifies the taste — ideal when you want big impact from just a few ingredients.
Fresh finishing touches after baking
Add a fresh pesto or a distinctive cheese only after baking — this preserves aroma and texture and creates a clear contrast with the hot pizza.
Creamy bases instead of tomato sauce
Pizza Bianco with vegetable purées
It doesn’t always have to be tomato sauce: a creamy base made from grilled aubergine or pumpkin makes Pizza Bianco surprisingly versatile and vegetarian-friendly.
Herb pesto — from basil to mint
Homemade pesto brings freshness and character. Beyond classics like basil, versions with mint introduce a cool, new note.
Use wild herbs with care
Wild garlic, ground elder and other wild herbs can make an excellent pesto to round off a pizza topped with chanterelles or potatoes. Only use herbs you can identify with certainty.
Crunchy toppings
A crisp finish elevates the pizza. Mix nuts or breadcrumbs with grated hard cheese, melt the mixture briefly, let it cool and crumble it. Sprinkle over the pizza just before serving — there’s your crunch.
Timing: What goes on the pizza when?
Delicate, fresh ingredients go on after baking: sliced cured meats such as mortadella or Serrano ham, and rocket, are served cold so they retain their full flavour. Heat-tolerant toppings can be baked on; fresh herbs and pesto are finishing touches.
Practical equipment tip
For roasted flavour on vegetables, a wire rack or a grill plate is helpful. If you frequently use pestos and creamy bases, clean prep containers and a powerful immersion blender make the finishing stage quick and even.
Which tricks give your pizza the wow factor? Try ideas, combine freely and refine after baking — small details make the difference.