Pizza is more than just dough, sauce, and cheese—it’s a canvas for bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. If you’re looking to take your pizza to the next level, Cibaria International’s premium extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars are the secret ingredients you didn’t know you needed.

From enhancing the dough to finishing your pizza with a drizzle of rich balsamic, here’s how to use these exceptional products to create an unforgettable pizza experience.

1. The Foundation: Olive Oil in Your Pizza Dough

A great pizza starts with great dough. Adding extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to your dough not only enhances its flavor but also improves its texture, creating a crispier crust.

Basic Olive Oil Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose or 00 flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Cibaria International Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp honey or sugar

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and EVOO.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Cibaria’s extra virgin olive oil not only enhances the dough’s elasticity but also adds subtle fruitiness that pairs perfectly with your toppings.

2. Olive Oil as a Sauce Base

While traditional tomato sauce is always a favorite, using olive oil as the base for a white pizza or a Margherita-style pizza brings out a different depth of flavor.

Garlic Olive Oil Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup Cibaria International Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small pan, warm the EVOO over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
2. Stir in red pepper flakes and oregano. Remove from heat and brush onto your pizza dough before adding cheese and toppings.

The peppery and grassy notes of Cibaria’s olive oils add complexity to the pizza, making each bite more delicious.

3. The Perfect Finish: Balsamic Drizzle

One of the easiest ways to elevate your pizza is with a balsamic glaze drizzle. The sweet, tangy notes of Cibaria’s aged balsamic vinegar balance the richness of cheese and toppings, adding a gourmet touch.

How to Use Balsamic on Pizza:

• Classic Margherita Pizza – After baking, drizzle a few drops of Cibaria Traditional Aged Balsamic over fresh basil and mozzarella.
• Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza – Once out of the oven, top with fresh arugula and shaved Parmesan, then finish with a balsamic reduction.
• Goat Cheese & Fig Pizza – Pair the creamy tang of goat cheese with the natural sweetness of Cibaria’s Fig Balsamic, drizzled just before serving.

How to Make a Quick Balsamic Reduction:

• In a small saucepan, simmer ½ cup of Cibaria’s Aged Balsamic Vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by half (about 10-15 minutes).
• Let it cool slightly before drizzling over your pizza.

This glaze adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that enhances both savory and sweet pizza toppings.

4. Pairing Olive Oils & Balsamic for Custom Flavor

Cibaria International offers a variety of flavored olive oils and balsamics that can take your pizza to the next level. Here are some inspired pairings:

Join Us at the International Pizza Expo!

Ready to bring these flavors to your kitchen or restaurant? Meet us at Booth #723 at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas from March 25-27, 2025!

📅 March 25-27, 2025
📍 Las Vegas Convention Center
🎯 Booth #723

We’ll be offering tastings, sharing recipe ideas, and helping pizzerias discover how Cibaria International’s premium oils and balsamics can enhance their menu offerings. Stop by and let’s talk pizza!

Want to learn more? Contact us today to find the perfect olive oil and balsamic pairings for your pizzeria.