Greasing Pizza Pans: Oil Application Techniques For Perfect Crusts

Greasing a pizza pan is an important step in the pizza-making process, as it ensures the dough doesn't stick to the pan and enhances the flavour of the pizza. There are several options for greasing a pizza pan, including oil, butter, margarine, or cornmeal. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its non-stick properties and subtle flavour, but other cooking oils can also be used. Butter and margarine add flavour to the pizza, but may not be as healthy as olive oil. Cornmeal is a good option for those who want to avoid fat, as it has no extra fat like oils or butter. When greasing a pizza pan, it is important to spread the chosen oil or other grease evenly across the surface of the pan to ensure the pizza doesn't stick.

How much oil to use

The amount of oil you should use to grease a pizza pan is generally agreed to be one tablespoon of cooking oil. This is enough to cover the surface of the pan and prevent the dough from sticking. You can use a paper towel or basting brush to coat the pan evenly. If you are using a perforated pan, it is best to spread the oil with a brush or similar tool, as pouring it directly onto the pan may cause it to run through the holes and make a mess.

If you are using oil to grease your pizza pan, it is important to choose an oil with a high enough smoke point and a flavour that will complement the pizza. Olive oil is a popular choice for pizza trays as it has a high smoke point, imparts a subtle flavour, and improves the texture of the crust. Other cooking oils can also be used, as long as they have a suitable smoke point and flavour profile.

In addition to oil, you may also choose to sprinkle a tablespoon or two of cornmeal over the greased pan. This will further ensure that the dough does not stick and will give the crust a traditional feel and texture. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can omit the cornmeal or use a perforated pizza pan, which also helps to cook the pizza faster.

Using a paper towel or basting brush

Greasing a pizza pan is essential to prevent the dough from sticking or burning the pan. There are several ways to grease a pizza pan, such as using oil, butter, or margarine. Olive oil is a popular choice as it adds a subtle flavour and improves the texture of the pizza crust. It is also a healthier alternative to butter or margarine due to its high content of antioxidants and unsaturated fats.

If you choose to use oil, you can pour about a tablespoon of oil onto the surface of the pizza pan. Then, use a paper towel or basting brush to coat the entire surface of the pan evenly. Make sure to spread the oil evenly across the tray to avoid any problems while cooking your pizza. This will give the pan a non-stick surface and a distinctive flavour that works well with pizza.

When using a paper towel, you can pour the oil directly onto the tray or dip the paper towel into the oil before spreading it onto the pan. This method allows for more control over the amount of oil used and ensures an even coating. It is important to use a light coating of oil to prevent the pizza from becoming greasy.

A basting brush can also be used to coat the pan with oil. Dip the brush into the oil and then brush it onto the surface of the pan. This method helps distribute the oil evenly and efficiently. Ensure that you coat the entire surface of the pan, including the edges and corners, to prevent sticking.

After coating the pan with oil, you can sprinkle a tablespoon or two of cornmeal over the oil. Cornmeal will help ensure that the pizza dough does not stick to the pan and will give the dough a traditional feel after cooking. It adds a unique flavour and texture to the crust of your pizza.

The benefits of olive oil

Greasing a pizza pan is a crucial step in preparing a pizza, as it ensures the pizza doesn't stick to the pan and enhances its flavour. Olive oil is generally the standard choice for greasing pizza trays as it adds a subtle flavour and improves the texture of the pizza crust.

Now, let's dive into the benefits of olive oil:

Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fats

Olive oil is abundant in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which accounts for about 70% of its total fat content. Monounsaturated fats are known to be healthier alternatives to saturated fats and are resistant to high heat, making extra virgin olive oil an excellent choice for cooking.

Loaded with Antioxidants

Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is packed with powerful antioxidants that offer multiple health benefits. These antioxidants help fight inflammation, protect blood cholesterol from oxidation, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues and central nervous system disorders.

Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The antioxidants in olive oil, such as oleocanthal, exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects, similar to those of ibuprofen. Additionally, oleic acid, the primary fatty acid in olive oil, helps reduce levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).

May Help Prevent Strokes and Heart Disease

The relationship between olive oil consumption and stroke risk has shown mixed results. However, a 2014 review of studies found that olive oil was associated with a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil may help lower inflammation and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, contributing to better heart health.

May Help Fight Alzheimer's Disease

Olive oil has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, a common neurodegenerative condition. A 2024 review suggested that olive oil may decrease the risk by reducing beta-amyloid plaques, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in the brain.

May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Olive oil may play a protective role against type 2 diabetes. A 2019 study found that prediabetic individuals who consumed oleanolic acid-enriched olive oil daily had a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes compared to a control group.

Antibacterial and Anticancer Properties

The antioxidants in olive oil have been associated with anticancer properties. A 2022 meta-analysis revealed that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of olive oil had a 31% lower likelihood of developing cancer. Additionally, olive oil has been found to possess antibacterial properties, potentially inhibiting or killing harmful bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Butter as an alternative

Butter is a popular alternative to oil for greasing a pizza pan. It is a traditional method of greasing a baking pan, and many people swear by it for pizza-making because of the flavour it adds to the pizza crust. Butter is also a convenient option when preparing a pizza pan, as it is likely that you will already have it in your kitchen.

To grease a pizza pan with butter, simply spread some butter onto the pan using a tool, or use the stick of butter directly. You can also use a basting brush to coat the entire surface of the pan. If you only have butter in a tub, you will need another vessel to apply it, such as a paper towel, a spoon, or a brush.

While butter is a tasty option, it may not be the best choice if you are looking for an easy release. This is because butter contains water (about 20% of its total weight), and the places where your pan is coated with water, rather than fat, are where your pizza is more likely to stick. To avoid this, you can be generous with the amount of butter you use, and also run a knife along the edges of the pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to butter, you could try using margarine instead.

Using cornmeal for a non-stick option

If you want to avoid fats altogether, cornmeal is a great option to grease your pizza pan and ensure your pizza doesn't stick. It also adds a unique flavour and texture to the crust of your pizza. The Institute for Culinary Education suggests using two teaspoons of salt cornmeal to dust the dough. A quarter of a cup of cornmeal contains 150 calories, 34 grams of carbs and no other macronutrients.

Cornmeal is a very traditional way to grease a pizza pan and is often used by pizza restaurants. It is also a healthier option than oil or butter, as it contains no extra fats. However, using cornmeal will increase the carb count of your pizza. If you don't like the texture it gives to the pizza crust, you can omit the cornmeal.

To use cornmeal, simply sprinkle a tablespoon or two over the surface of your pizza pan, after coating it with oil. This will ensure the pizza dough doesn't stick to the pan and will give the dough a traditional feel after cooking. You can also apply the cornmeal directly to the crust instead of onto the pan.

Many professional and at-home chefs also use a combination of cornmeal and oil. Spreading some olive oil onto your tray and then sprinkling on some cornmeal can enhance the flavour and texture of your pizza's crust.

Frequently asked questions