Should I Put Oregano or Basil on Pizza? [Answered]

Oregano and basil are the two most important ingredients while making a pizza. Both provide amazing flavor to your pizza. This is why sometimes you might get confused between the two. 

So, should you use oregano or basil on pizza? 

Well, it depends on which flavor you like better. If you choose basil, you’ll get a fresh and sweeter herbal taste. Whereas, oregano provides an earthy but sweet flavor to your pizza. Moreover, basil has a milder taste while oregano has a more pungent and strong flavor. 

Now, this might not be enough for you to make a decision. Hence, we have compared the two herbs in detail for you. 

So, do check out our entire piece to come to a conclusion!

Oregano vs Basil: What’s the Difference?

Now, as you can tell, basil and oregano are two different herbs. Just how dark and bittersweet chocolate isn’t the same. 

So, there shouldn’t be any confusion regarding this. The differences between the two herbs are quite visible if you only consider how they look. 

But do you know how they differ from each other other than that? 

Well, we’re here to help you with that. We’ve provided a simple table which shows the dissimilarities both have-

Aspects of Differentiation	Basil	Oregano
Price & Availability	$14 per pound fresh basil leaves	$14 per pound fresh oregano leaves. $13 for 0.3125 pounds dried oregano
Variety	Fresh and dried leaves	Fresh and dried versions
Taste	Milder but sweeter	More pungent but less sweet
Ways to use	Best for Margherita pizza	Best for pies with traditional toppings

So, these are some of the differences between basil and oregano. Are you all cleared now? 

If not, it’s best to check out these differences in detail.

Overall Comparison between Basil and Oregano

Now, oregano and basil don’t have that much difference to be fair. As you can see we have only mentioned 3 main differences. 

But still, sometimes people get super confused while selecting one. To avoid you from this dilemma, we have compared both herbs in detail. So, let’s check them out- 

Price & Availability

Before anything, knowing the difference in price is important. This simple factor can help you pick one between butcher paper and kraft paper as well.

Now, first of all, both the herbs can be grown in your garden. But if you haven’t got any basil or oregano in your backyard, buying them is your only option. 

So, basil is mostly found as fresh leaves in grocery stores. The leaves cost about $14 per pound. Also, it’s best to not use dried basil on pizza. Because this will just give you a very bitter taste.

Now, oregano also comes in two forms. You can find both fresh and dried versions of this herb in stores. For oregano leaves, you have to pay the same amount as basil leaves. 

However, the price for dried ones can differ. Because to get 0.3125 pounds of dried oregano, you have to pay about $13. 

Therefore, the fresh version of both basil and oregano is more cost-effective.

Taste 

Another big difference between oregano and basil is how they taste. 

For starters, basil is known as a mild herb. In general, basil has a sweet smell and taste. It also has a strong and peppery flavor. This type of basil is known as sweet basil.

However, there are more types of basil. For that reason, the taste can vary depending on the variety you’re using. For your comfort, we have mentioned some basil varieties and their taste- 

Basil Variety Name	Taste
Lemon basil	Citrusy with a sweet undertone
Holy basil	Little spicy with a sweet undertone
Genovese basil	Sweet and little spicy
Thai basil	A bit spicy and licorice-like taste
Purple basil	Slightly spicy with a sweet taste
Greek basil	Sweet with hints of mint, anise, and pepper

Now, there are obviously more varieties. But these are some of the basil leaves that are used while making pizza. So, hopefully, you’re all clear about their taste!

If so, let’s look at oregano- 

Well, as you already know, oregano comes in both dried and fresh forms. However, just like basil, oregano also has some varieties. Obviously, these differ when it comes to taste. 

Therefore, here’s a table mentioning different oregano types and how they taste- 

Oregano Variety Name	Taste
Greek oregano	Sour taste with aromatic flavor
Syrian oregano	Really concentrated flavor.

These are the varieties that are used while cooking different dishes including pizza. Both are good to use on your pizza. 

Moreover, you can even put dried oregano on pizza. The taste won’t be ruined at all! To be fair, you might get a bit more flavor out of the dried version.  

But how to use these two herbs on pizza? 

Way to Use 

If you’re curious about how to get the best taste from the two herbs, we’re here to help!

To get the best outcome, you have to know how they are used. Yes, there are few differences between the use of basil and oregano while making a pizza. 

First, let’s start with basil- 

As we have mentioned before, fresh basil is used while making a pizza instead of dried. In most cases, the most popular pizza that requires fresh basil leaves is Margherita. 

Now, you might think- when to put basil on pizza?

Well, using basil on pizza is quite easy. Most of the time the fresh leaves are placed on the pizza after it’s baked. Because that way they won’t burn or go brown and lose their amazing taste. 

So, just prepare your pizza dough and lay it on a pizza screen, pan or stone. Then put the toppings on it and bake it till it’s ready. 

Once you take the pizza out of the oven, let it rest for 2 minutes. Within that time, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of olive oil on 5-6 basil leaves. Lastly, place them on the delicious pizza to make it more delicious! 

By the way, you can even make pesto using fresh basil. Then put it on the pizza after it’s cooked. This will give you more of a basil flavor. 

So, that’s how you use fresh basil on your pizza. 

Now, it’s time to check out how you can use oregano on pizza- 

There’s a common concern among pizza lovers. And that’s- do I put oregano on pizza before or after cooking? 

Well, let us enlighten you on this. You already know there are two forms of oregano. One is fresh and the other dried. 

The fresh oregano is always used after the pizza is done baking. Because again we don’t want to burn the delicate leaves. But the dried version can be used before making the pizza. You can put it in between or even at the end of the pizza-making process. 

However, we suggest you use the dried oregano on pizza before making it. How? 

Well, just put the oregano in your marinara sauce that can be used for pizza. This is the best way to get the aromatic flavor of the oregano. 

Now, for the fresh oregano leaves-

Just follow the instructions we’ve mentioned for basil leaves. The directions will surely help you to get the best output! 

Now, if you choose to go for oregano, here are some best oregano for pizza- 

These will definitely deliver a tasty pizza!

Easy to Find Alternatives for Basil and Oregano

Not a big fan of the taste of basil and oregano? 

Well, don’t worry! You can always go for an alternative option. Now, luckily, both the herbs have similar substitutes.

However, there are some specific substitutes for these two herbs. 

We have shortly mentioned them in the table below- 

Herb Name	Substitute Name	Why You Should Use It
Basil	Spinach leaves	Best to use if you’re going for a pesto. This has a milder taste than basil. Good for kids and people with sensitive taste buds.
	Cilantro	Gives you a hint of lemon, pepper, and mint. Great way to improve the taste of your pizza.
	Celery leaves	Another great option for a milder taste. It can be used on any type of pizza.
Oregano	Marjoram	This herb is actually included in the oregano family. Similar to Greek oregano taste but more delicate and sweeter. Best to use it in Mexican-style pizza.
	Parsley	This has a slightly milder taste than oregano. It can be used as a garnish after the pizza is done.

Now, you know all the substitutes! By the way, you can also substitute basil and oregano with each other. Moreover, you can use oregano even if you’re going to use basil. 

Now, here are the common alternatives to both oregano and basil:-

Fresh Thyme

Now, thyme has a warm, mint, and citrusy taste. This makes it quite similar to the taste of oregano and basil. 

More specifically, thyme has a warmer flavor than fresh basil. And it’s actually a lot similar looking and tasting to oregano.

Hence, fresh thyme is undoubtedly a good substitute for both herbs. 

Italian Seasoning

Both basil and oregano are known to be included in Italian dishes. Plus let’s not forget that pizza is actually a popular Italian dish. 

Thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil are included in this seasoning. Hence, you don’t have to worry about the taste going wrong.

It’s totally your call! Hopefully, you’ll pick the right ingredient for your pizza! 

FAQs

Question: Can I use rosemary and basil together?

Answer: To be fair, it’s best not to use the two herbs together. Because they aren’t the best companions. However, you can substitute them for each other. 

Question: What is a good substitute for dried basil? 

Answer: Dried basil isn’t used that much in pizza. But you can still be curious about its substitute. So, you can use dried oregano or dried thyme in place of this herb. They have a similar taste to dried or even fresh basil.

Question: Should oregano go on top of pizza?

Answer: Yes, oregano can be placed on top of your pizza. Both fresh and dried oregano can go on your pizza to increase its flavor. 

Bottom Line

It’s time to say goodbye! We have tried providing the important factors regarding oregano or basil on pizza.

By the way, if you don’t want to use either of these herbs, go for mint. This herb is easy to find and easy to use. It’ll also give a similar but milder taste. 

Now, good luck making your pizza!