How to Make the Perfect Pizza

All pizza is good, but great pizza is an art – one where every detail, from the dough to the drizzle of olive oil, makes the difference. Great pizza isn’t just about the dough or the toppings, it’s about the details. And if there’s one ingredient that can take your homemade pizza from good to unforgettable, it’s olive oil. At Catania Oils, we’ve spent 125 years perfecting the craft of high-quality oils, and trust us, a drizzle of premium olive oil is the ultimate game-changer. From creating a crispy, golden crust to infusing every bite with rich, smooth flavor, olive oil isn’t just an add-on—it’s the secret ingredient your pizza has been missing. Ready to elevate your next slice? Let’s dive in.

Why Olive Oil Makes a Difference

Olive oil is more than just an ingredient—it’s what makes a good pizza great. It enhances flavors, gives the crust that perfect golden crisp, and adds that authentic touch that makes every bite irresistible.

• Flavor Booster: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) brings out natural flavors, whether it’s fruity, peppery, or herbaceous.
• Dough Perfection: It makes the dough more elastic and prevents it from drying out, ensuring the ideal balance of chewiness and crispness.
• Sauce Enhancement: A splash of high-quality olive oil adds a smooth richness that balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
• Finishing Touch: A post-bake drizzle of EVOO gives pizza an artisanal feel and a burst of fresh aroma.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil for Your Pizza

Not all olive oils are created equal, and selecting the right one can elevate your pizza experience.

Types of Olive Oil:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): The gold standard. Unrefined, full of flavor, and rich in antioxidants, it’s ideal for drizzling and adding to dough.
• Light Tasting Olive Oil: A step below EVOO in terms of flavor intensity, but still a solid choice for sauces.
• Olive Pomace Oil: A mild, heat-stable option that works well for frying and high-heat baking, making it ideal for achieving a crispy crust.

Homemade Pizza Recipe with Olive Oil

This classic homemade pizza features a perfectly chewy crust, a rich tomato sauce, and a final drizzle of EVOO that ties it all together.

Step 1: Make the Dough

Olive oil is essential for creating a dough that’s light, airy, and crispy in all the right places. Try this easy homemade pizza dough recipe featuring Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil for exceptional results.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz ‘00’ wheat flour (ideal for a chewy crust)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Bring It Together: Add the yeast mixture and Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead It: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Rise Time: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
6. Shape It: Once doubled in size, punch down the dough and shape it into a crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Ingredients:

• 14 oz whole peeled tomatoes
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Infuse Flavor: Crush basil leaves and mix with Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
2. Combine Tomatoes: Crush peeled tomatoes and mix with the basil-infused oil.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread It: Use the back of a spoon to evenly distribute a light layer of sauce over the shaped dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Ingredients:

• Prepared pizza dough
• Tomato sauce (from Step 2)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for finishing

Instructions:

1. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
2. Bake: Place the pizza in a 475°F oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the crust is crispy.
3. Final Drizzle: As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the top for extra flavor.

The Secret to the Perfect Pizza: The Final Drizzle

This last drizzle of olive oil is what separates homemade pizza from true artisan pizza. It enhances the aroma, deepens the flavor, and gives your pizza that restaurant-quality finish.

How to Drizzle Like a Pro:

• Use a spoon or pour in sweeping motions directly from the bottle.
• Focus on the crust edges for added richness.
• Drizzle lightly in the center for a glossy finish and flavor boost.

From Good to Great: The Secret’s in the Oil

The difference between good pizza and great pizza comes down to the details—and olive oil is one of the most important ones. Whether it’s kneaded into the dough, stirred into the sauce, or drizzled on top just before serving, Marconi Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings out the best in every bite. It’s the secret to a crispier crust, a richer sauce, and that irresistible, just-out-of-the-oven aroma.

So, next time you make pizza, don’t just stop at the cheese. Drizzle, taste, and experience the magic of high-quality olive oil. Once you do, you’ll never go back.

Now, roll up those sleeves, fire up the oven, and let’s make some unforgettable pizza!