Finishing touches

Purpose

Adds delicate ingredients and final flavour elements after baking, preserving textures and flavours that oven heat would otherwise damage

Styles using this technique

• California-style pizzaDefiningGenerally accepted

  Preserves the fresh, often raw, unconventional toppings (herbs, greens, delicate cheeses) that define this style's identity.

• Brazilian pizzaCommonly usedLimited evidence

  Preserves delicate post-bake additions, such as a catupiry drizzle, that are common on Brazilian pizzas.

Method

Add fresh herbs, finishing oils, soft cheeses, and delicate cured meats immediately after the pizza leaves the oven

When to use it

• Any style using ingredients too delicate to survive the full bake

Risks

• Forgetting this step and baking delicate ingredients the full time is a very common cause of wilted, blackened, or toughened toppings

Alternatives

• None — some ingredients genuinely require this step rather than an alternative

Problems this technique helps with