Herbs to Mix With Pizza Crust

• Many pizza crusts are rather plain all on their own, but herbs can be added for baked in flavor. There are a number of herbs that are essential in Italian food cooking. Garlic, oregano, basil and rosemary are Italian herbs can be added fresh or dried to pizza dough before cooking so that they flavor the dough while it cooks into a crispy, herb-filled crust.
  
  

Basil

• Basil complements tomato sauce, pasta dishes, pizza, marinades and soups. Two common varieties used in pizza are Genovese basil and sweet Italian large leaf basil. Basil can be dried, but in Italian cooking it is typically used in its fresh form. It pairs well with olive oil, cheese and tomato sauces. Basil can be stored in water to keep it fresh for use in pizza crust.
  
  

Garlic

• Garlic is essential in Italian cooking and works well with pizza. Garlic can be purchased in a variety of forms including whole cloves, minced cloves, dried flakes and powdered form. Garlic, when mixed in with pizza dough, will mingle with the flavors of the sauce, cheese and toppings.
  
  

Oregano

• Oregano complements basil when used in Italian cooking, and is used widely in meat and tomato based dishes. Oregano has a flavor that is bold and warm, and it complements spicy pizzas and pizzas that are primarily meaty. Oregano can be added to pizza dough fresh or dried and is often found in Italian spice mixes.
  
  

Parsley

• There are several varieties of parsley, including a flat leaf Italian version and several decorative varieties. Italian parsley has a stronger flavor and works well in breads and on pizza. The aroma of parsley is not as bold as other Italian spices, but it has a crunchy texture and a bold flavor. Parsley is generally added to dishes near the end of cooking, and may be sprinkled along the crust during the baking process.
  
  

Rosemary

• Rosemary pairs well with meat and vegetables and it is a popular addition to breads, making it a suitable addition to pizza dough and crust. The leaves of the rosemary plant closely resemble pine needles and they can be used either fresh or dried. Typically only the needle-like leaves of the plant are used rather than the entire stalk.