We were wondering what ingredients make homemade pizza 10X better. And to answer that question, we looked to Reddit as any modern-day philosopher would, and we made a list of the top things that Redditors claimed make homemade pizza better.
We agree with all of them! Of course, it comes down to taste and preference, but these ingredients make the list of the best ways to make homemade pizza 10X better.
1. Quality Cheese
Using quality cheese can make or break a homemade pizza. Low-moisture mozzarella that you grate yourself is the best option. Or if you are making a Neapolitan pizza, then fresh mozzarella is the best choice. But beyond mozzarella, other cheeses make a real difference to your homemade pizza.
Try adding Asiago, Fontina, or Pecorino Romano for a deeper depth of flavor than just mozzarella. If you like a more unique taste, opt for blue cheese, Feta, or goat cheese for creamy richness. For a more comprehensive guide, check out our list of best cheeses to buy online.
2. Fresh Herbs
The best spices for homemade pizza are Italian seasoning blends. But if you really want to amp up the flavor, try using fresh herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. If you make a lot of homemade pizza as we do, then consider starting an indoor herb garden so you always have a fresh supply of this key ingredient.
3. Homemade Sauce
We wholeheartedly agree with the wise Redditors on this one; homemade sauce is a must. It takes homemade pizza to a new level. Once you try it, we are confident you will agree that homemade sauce is where its at.
But don’t worry; you don’t have to spend hours slaving over a stove. We have three easy ways to make a great sauce.
For no-cook pizza sauce that is traditionally used in Italian pizzas like the Neapolitan, you need to find some San Marzano tomatoes and a few other things.
- 14 ounce can of San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 Tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of dried oregano
Mix everything together using clean hands to mash the tomatoes, and that’s it, you have a delicious authentic homemade pizza sauce.
If you prefer a cooked pizza sauce which is more common in a Chicago-style pizza or a Detroit-style pizza:
- 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and split into two
- Pinch of salt and sugar
Puree the tomatoes and set aside. Add butter, garlic, onion, and oregano to a saucepan and cook for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then add the tomato puree and simmer for one hour. Then remove the onion and discard it.
For a roasted tomato pizza sauce:
- 10 Roma tomatoes halved
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and basil or Italian seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Halve the Roma tomatoes and spread them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with seasoning and garlic cloves. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375ºF. Let cool blend with two tablespoons of tomato paste (more for color than anything else).
So there you have three easy ways to make amazing homemade pizza sauce. There is just no excuse to use a store-bought sauce when homemade is so easy and really is a way to make homemade pizza 10X better.
4. Garlic
We love garlic, and it seems like Redditors do, too. Garlic was a popular mention when looking at ways to make homemade pizza better. You can mince fresh garlic to top your pizza and add it thinly sliced to a sauce or our favorite roasted garlic.
5. Red Pepper Flakes
If you like a little subtle heat, and it seems like many people do, a little bit of red pepper flakes is an amazing way to add a little heat. If you like a lot of heat, then in addition to red pepper flakes, reach for a hot sauce like Sriracha or Tabasco.
At the end of the summer, when hot peppers are fresh, we like to make our own by throwing a habanero and three Roma tomatoes to boil and then blend them together for a fresh hot sauce with plenty of heat.
6. Cup and Char Pepperoni
Pepperoni, America’s favorite pizza, is even better if you know the right pepperoni to use, and according to Redditors, the right pepperoni is a cup and char pepperoni. It turns into little cups that hold the tastiness inside, and you better believe it makes the best homemade pizza.
7. Sourdough Pizza Crust
If you already have your own sourdough starter, then you know the difference it can make in homemade pizza dough. It adds the right amount of texture and tanginess to pizza dough.
If you haven’t tried it yet, check out how to make sourdough pizza dough and give it a try. Redditors can’t get enough of sourdough pizza dough.
8. Pizza Oven
Many Redditors agree that using a pizza oven makes a huge difference in the quality of the pizza. While you can get a decent pizza in a conventional oven, a pizza oven is always the best because it can get up to higher temperatures, and that is the secret to a chewy yet crispy crust.
You don’t have to break the bank for a pizza oven. There are some great affordable pizza ovens out there. But if you want to break the bank, then here are some great high-end pizza ovens to check out. And if you have the space to build your own, then what are you waiting for build your own pizza oven for amazing pizza every single time.
9. Anchovies
These briny litter fish have Redditors divided. Some swear by anchovies on pizza, and others swear they are gross. But since so many people unanimously shared how much they love the salty bite, we had to add them to the list. Don’t be afraid of the little silver fishies; they are salty and add great flavor to homemade pizza.
10. Kimchi
When you think of a way to make homemade pizza 10X better, you probably aren’t thinking kimchi, but many Redditors were thinking kimchi. It makes sense it’s a mix between sour and hot with that fermented flavor. We have to agree it’s a good addition to pizza.
And if you don’t take our word for it, check out Netflix’s Chef’s Table pizza edition with Minneapolis pizzaiolo, who has made kimchi on pizza her signature pizza. She really knows what she is doing.
11. Pineapple
We know it’s controversial, but Redditors agreed the best way to make homemade pizza 10X better is with pineapple. We apologize to anyone offended by this, but it is good.
The favorite ways Redditors liked pineapple on the pizza were with pineapple, pepperoni, and prawns. The other favorite is the classic sweet hot combo with pineapples and jalapeños.
12. Ice Cold Beer
While this one isn’t an ingredient per se, washing down a slice of homemade pizza with an ice-cold beer makes it taste better. Pilsner, lager, amber, yes to it all. Choose your favorite frothy hoppy beer and slurp it down with a tasty slice.
There are endless ways to make homemade pizza better, and it ultimately comes down to personal taste and preference. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. So get in the kitchen, experiment, and enjoy the delicious results of your homemade pizza creations.
What is your favorite way to make homemade pizza 10 X better?
