Fresh Basil
VegetarianFragrant fresh basil leaves add a bright, aromatic sweetness that defines classic Italian pizza.
Fresh basil is the defining herb of Neapolitan pizza, with its sweet, slightly peppery aroma and vibrant green leaves providing the essential finishing touch. Torn and scattered over pizza just before serving, basil releases its volatile oils, filling each bite with the unmistakable fragrance of Italian summer.
Flavor Profile
Season: all year
Best Sauces
Pairs Well With
Pizzas with Fresh Basil
The Purist
San Marzano Red Sauce
“A love letter to the classic New York slice, elevated with San Marzano tomatoes.”
Garden Margherita
San Marzano Red Sauce
“A garden-fresh margherita with creamy burrata and slow-roasted garlic.”
The Meatball Sub
San Marzano Red Sauce
“Everything you love about a meatball sub, flattened into pizza form.”
Caprese Pesto
Classic Basil Pesto
“A Caprese salad that fell in love with a pesto pizza and never looked back.”
Spring Pea Pistachio
Pistachio Pesto Sauce
“A bright spring pizza with lemony ricotta, crushed pistachios, and herbal freshness.”
Pistachio Nduja Honey
Pistachio Pesto Sauce
“Spicy nduja, creamy burrata, and hot honey collide on pistachio pesto.”
Diavola
Calabrian Chili Oil Base
“The devil's own pizza: triple chili heat tamed by a sinful hot honey drizzle.”
Calabrian Eggplant Parm
Calabrian Chili Oil Base
“Eggplant Parmesan goes spicy with a Calabrian chili oil twist.”
Calabrian Zucchini Feta
Calabrian Chili Oil Base
“Charred zucchini ribbons and salty feta cool the Calabrian chili fire.”
Vodka Pepperoni
Vodka Cream Sauce
“The iconic vodka sauce meets its soulmate: crispy cup pepperoni.”
Vodka Burrata Basil
Vodka Cream Sauce
“Vodka sauce stripped to essentials with burrata, tomatoes, and fresh basil.”
Vodka Pancetta Pea
Vodka Cream Sauce
“Crispy pancetta and bright lemon ricotta on a silky vodka cream base.”
Smoked Mozzarella Supreme
San Marzano Red Sauce
“This bold and meaty pizza starts with San Marzano Red sauce and tops it with Smoked Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper, Italian Sausage, and Fresh Basil, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience suited to year-round enjoyment.”
Pistachio & Smoked Mozzarella
Pistachio Pesto Sauce
“Built on a Pistachio Pesto foundation, this refined pie layers Smoked Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper, Fresh Basil, and Pistachio into a vibrant creation ideal for any occasion.”
Calabrian Shrimp & Garlic
Calabrian Chili Oil Base
“This sea-kissed pizza starts with Calabrian Chili Oil sauce and tops it with Shrimp, Roasted Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil, delivering a rustic experience suited to sunny summer days.”
Calabrian Nduja & Burrata
Calabrian Chili Oil Base
“This bold and meaty pizza starts with Calabrian Chili Oil sauce and tops it with N'duja, Burrata, Fresh Basil, and Honey finished with a drizzle of Honey, delivering a upscale experience suited to every season.”
Vodka Shrimp & Basil
Vodka Cream Sauce
“Featuring Shrimp, Fresh Basil, Cherry Tomatoes, and Roasted Garlic over Vodka Cream sauce, this sophisticated pizza is a bright and briny dream made for peak summer vibes.”
Vodka Smoked Mozzarella & Pepper
Vodka Cream Sauce
“Built on a Vodka Cream foundation, this traditional pie layers Smoked Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper, Fresh Basil, and Parmesan into a vibrant creation ideal for year-round enjoyment.”
Vodka Eggplant & Ricotta
Vodka Cream Sauce
“Featuring Eggplant, Ricotta, Fresh Basil, and Parmesan over Vodka Cream sauce, this all-American pizza is a wholesome dream made for peak summer vibes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should basil go on pizza before or after baking?
Add fresh basil after baking. High oven heat wilts and blackens basil, destroying its delicate flavor and aroma. Torn basil scattered over a hot pizza releases its essential oils perfectly.
How do you keep basil fresh on pizza?
Tear basil leaves by hand rather than cutting with a knife, which bruises them. Add them at the last moment before serving so they wilt slightly from residual heat while staying bright and aromatic.
What goes well with fresh basil on pizza?
Fresh Basil pairs best with burrata, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto and parmigiano-reggiano. Start with one or two of these rather than piling everything on: two or three toppings per pizza keeps each flavor distinct.