The BEST Pizza Toppings List!

The Best Pizza Toppings and Combinations will give you ideas on how to make fantastic pizza combinations at home. Listed are both classic toppings and unusual toppings.

If you’re looking for more yummy recipes, Must Try Soup Toppings and The Best Salad Toppings to Try will leave your taste buds happy.

Pizza toppings offer a delightful array of flavors and textures that elevate this beloved dish to new heights of culinary satisfaction. From classic options to innovative creations, the possibilities are endless.

A melody of vibrant vegetables, such as fresh tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms, adds a burst of freshness and color. For those seeking a savory experience, the choices from succulent meats like pepperoni, ham, or bacon to flavorful ingredients like sausage and grilled chicken.

Cheese lovers can indulge in the creamy richness of mozzarella, provolone, or feta. Adventurous palates can explore unique combinations like goat cheese, caramelized onions, or even pineapple for a touch of sweetness.

Whether you prefer a traditional pizza like the Margherita or a daring fusion of exotic ingredients. Pizza toppings are a great culinary exploration, offering something to please every craving. Try different combinations for your family pizza night.

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Here are the Classic Pizza Toppings

Pizza Sauces

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is the most popular pizza sauce. How to Make Pizza Sauce in 5 Minutes is the perfect red sauce to start your pizza. Classic cheese pizza is made with tomato sauce.

Olive Oil

When using olive oil on pizza, be sure not to use too much. Otherwise, your dough can end up too soggy. You will also want to use a good quality olive oil. You can infuse the oil with herbs for even more flavor. Olive oil is often used on white pizza.

Barbecue Sauce

One of the most popular pizza combinations starts with barbecue sauce. BBQ chicken pizza started at the California Pizza Kitchen. The original ingredients were BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onions, cilantro, and fontina cheese.

White Pizza Sauce

White sauce adds a creamy and savory to the pizza, enhancing the flavors of the toppings and providing a delicious alternative to traditional pizza sauce. Classic white pizza sauce is usually made with flour, butter, and cream cheese.

Alfredo Sauce

Using Alfredo sauce on pizza creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile with its velvety texture. It’s made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

Pesto

Adding pesto sauce to pizza infuses it with a burst of vibrant flavors. The aromatic blend of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful twist to every bite. Pesto pizza is traditionally topped with buffalo mozzarella cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and toasted pine nuts.

Most Popular Pizza Toppings

Vegetables

Yellow, Orange, and Red Bell Peppers

The sweetness of red peppers adds a beautiful contrast of color to pizza. Red peppers also pair well with the savory cheese and sauce.

Green Peppers

People either love or hate green bell peppers on their pizza. They add a delicious crunch and a pop of color.

Red Onions

Red onions should be soft and slightly caramelized when added to pizza. You can sauté them or roast red onions before adding. They enhance the flavor of the cheese.

Sliced Mushrooms

Adding sliced mushrooms to pizza brings an earthy and meaty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted leeks, broccoli, eggplant, butternut squash, zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, beets, asparagus, onions, fennel, artichokes, radishes, corn, and okra are just some of the possibilities to add as toppings for your pizza.

Top of Pizza Ideas

Olives

Black Olives

You can use canned sliced black olives as a traditional pizza topping. Kalamata olives are the perfect topping on a Greek pizza.

Green Olives

Green olives are a fun choice when combined with flavors that go well with them. Caramelized leeks, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese are just a few ideas.

Olive Tapenade

Black olive tapenade is an excellent way to infuse unexpected flavor into your pizza. You can easily make your own tapenade at home.

Fruit

Apples

Incorporating thinly sliced apples as a topping for pizza can bring a delightful crispiness and hint of natural sweetness.

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes make for a vibrant topping, infusing a burst of flavor and adding a pop of color to any pizza.

Figs

Roasted figs, fresh figs, and fig preserves are all great options for your pizza.

Mango

While unconventional, adding mango as a topping for pizza can infuse a burst of tropical flavor to the overall taste of the experience.

Pears

Pears start making their appearance on pizza in the fall. You can caramelize pears, roast them, or add slices of fresh pears to your pizza.

Pineapple

Adding pineapple to your pizza has people divided. Some believe that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza, while others love the sweet and savory combination of pineapple and pizza.

Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Slow-roasted tomatoes offer an exquisite depth of flavor as their natural sweetness intensifies while they become tender and caramelized, making them the perfect addition to pizza.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These ruby-jewels, with their concentrated tomato essence and slightly chewy texture, infuse each bite with sweet and tangy richness. It will make a great addition to your next homemade pizza.

Hot Peppers

Calabrese peppers, banana peppers, serrano peppers, Peppadew peppers, jalapeños, Scotch bonnet peppers, habanero peppers, Anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, and chipotle peppers are some ideas to add spice to your slice.

You can use pickled peppers or roasted peppers as well as fresh.

Cheese

Provolone cheese, mozzarella, pecorino romano, parmigiano reggiano, creamy ricotto cheese, gorgonzola cheese, goat cheese, Asiago cheese, Piave cheese, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, gouda, blue cheese, Gruyere cheese, pepper jack, Colby, Swiss cheese, Cotija cheese, cream cheese, and Havarti cheese are all great ideas.

Meats

Italian sausage, fennel sausage, pancetta, smoked ham, pepperoni, bacon, Canadian ham, chorizo, Genoa salami, Burrata cheese, Soppressata (a dry Italian salami), Hot Coppa (air-dried whole pork shoulder), linguica (chili-seasoned smoke-cured pork sausage), smoked ham, pulled pork, ground lamb,

Bacon

Applewood smoked bacon, smoked bacon, hickory-smoked bacon, maple bacon, Canadian bacon, peppered bacon, bourbon-infused bacon, and brown sugar bacon are all delicious choices.

Chili Flakes

Adding chili flakes to pizza adds a tantalizing kick of heat that elevates the overall flavor profile, providing a delightful fiery element to every savory bite.

Oregano

Using oregano as a topping for pizza imparts a fragrant and herbal essence that beautifully enhances the savory notes of the cheese and sauce, creating a classic and timeless flavor combination.

Roasted Garlic

Adding roasted garlic to pizza adds a rich and mellow taste that harmonizes with other flavors. Fresh garlic is also a great option.

Fresh Basil

Basil’s aromatic leaves release a burst of herbal fragrance, adding a refreshing element to every bite of pizza.

Unusual Pizza Toppings

Unique Meat Pizza Toppers

Bacon Marmalade

Infusing pizza with the irresistible allure of bacon marmalade or bacon jam creates a compelling balance of sweet and savory. The smoky, caramelized notes of the bacon meld great with gooey cheese. It delivers both an indulgent and unforgettable experience.

Smoked Brisket

Incorporating smoked brisket as a topping for pizza infuses a rich, smoky essence into each slice, creating a fusion of barbecue and Italian flavors.

Buffalo Chicken

If you want to make your own buffalo chicken to top your pizza, you’ll love this buffalo sauce recipe.

Tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing create a mouthwatering flavor explosion in every bite.

Ham Croutons

Making ham croutons couldn’t be easier. Add cubed cooked ham and brown them on all sides in a sauté pan with a little olive oil.

Sliced Meatballs

Sliced meatballs on pizza provide a hearty and indulgent topping, adding a burst of meaty flavor and satisfying flavor to your pie.

Grilled Steak

The addition of grilled steak to pizza elevates the classic dish to new heights, infusing each bite with tender, smoky meatiness that pairs flawlessly with the rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs.

Unique Seafood Pizza Toppers

Anchovies

Adding anchovies to pizza as a topping can impart a savory, umami-rich flavor that complements the cheesy goodness of the pie.

Clams

A classic pizza using clams is “White Clam Pizza.” This pizza features chopped clams, minced garlic, fresh parsley, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese on a garlic and olive oil base.

For a more adventurous twist using clams, consider a surf-and-turf pizza combining clams with bacon and pancetta, sliced red onions, and a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.

Blackened Shrimp

Adding blackened shrimp to pizza adds a delectable fusion of flavors. The savory notes of the charred spices blend harmoniously with the melted cheese and crisp crust.

Unique Vegetable Pizza Toppers

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I saw a pizza restaurant in Alaska roasted their Brussels sprouts in a cajun seasoning mix. Brussels sprouts as a pizza toppng brings nutty undertones, caramelized flavor, and a satisfying, slightly crispy flavor.

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions, with their sweet and rich flavor, make for a fantastic pizza topping. When slow-cooked to perfection, they add a luscious, savory depth to any pizza combination.

One delectable combination of toppings for pizza is to mix together caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and gorganzola cheese, creating a mouth-watering blend of sweet, salty, and creamy.

A vegetarian option is to spread a layer of caramelized onions over a pizza crust and top with roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This combination results in a beautifully balanced and flavorful pie that’s both comforting and gourmet.

Roasted Potato

Topping your pizza with roasted potatoes adds a delightful textural contrast, with their crispy exterior and tender interiror. Their earthy, savory notes compliments the cheesy goodness of pizza.

Shallots

Adding thinly sliced shallots to the top of the pizza imparts a subtle yet distinct sweetness and mild oniony flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.

Fresh Vegetables

Adding fresh vegetables after the pizza is cooked is also an unusual way to top pizza. They add vibrant colors to your pie, bringing a burst of freshness and a healthy twist. Some ideas include vegetables like diced tomatoes, green onions, crunchy broccoli, and earthy mushrooms.

Unique Mushroom Pizza Toppers

Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

Adding roasted oyster mushrooms to pizza introduces a delectable earthiness and meaty texture, making every slice a savory experience.

Unique Fruit Pizza Toppers

Sweet Fig Preserves

Drizzling sweet fig preserves onto your pizza surprises your taste buds with a delightful blend of sweet and savory, creating a uniquely satisfying culinary fusion.

Preserved Lemons

Topping a pizza with slices of preserved lemons brings a burst of citrusy flavor, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

Pair preserved lemons with creamy goat cheese and fresh arugula for a Mediterrean-inspired pizza, or combine them with prosciuitto and a drizzle of hot honey for a delicious twist.

Pickled Jalapeños

Pickled jalapenos on pizza provide a zesty, spicy kick that can transform a mundane pie into a flavor-packed delight.

The tangy heat of pickled jalapenos pairs exceptionally well with various toppings. For a Mexican-themed pizza, try a combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheddar cheese, pickled jalapenos, and topped with cilantro.

Kalamata Olives

Adding Kalamata olives introduces a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your pie. Their briny and slightly fruity taste goes well with a lot of other ingredients.

Combine sliced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and crumbled goat cheese alongside Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired pizza.

Hot Honey

Adding spicy honey to pizza has become a trend that is here to stay. You’re in a for a treat, if you haven’t tried hot honey on your pizza. It’s a must-try.

Garlic Oil

Drizzling garlic oil on pizza can elevate flavor with a subtle, aromatic garlic essence that enhances the overall taste. The fragrant oil adds a delightful depth to the pizza, creating an irresistible experience.

Chili Oil

Hot red pepper oil added as a topping for pizza can introduce a fiery and spicy kick that awakens your taste buds, providing an exciting contrast to the cheesy and savory elements.

Truffle Oil

The delicate essence of truffle oil adds a gourmet touch that transforms an ordinary pizza into a culinary delight.

Hot Sauce

Adding hot sauce to your pizza brings a fiery and bold kick to every bite. The spicy heat of the hot sauce adds an exciting dimension to your pizza experience.

Balsamic Glaze

Homemade balsamic glaze is a flavorful condiment that’s easy to make at home. You simply cook down balsamic vinegar with brown sugar and salt.

Fresh Herbs

Sprinkling a handful of fresh herbs atop your pizza imparts an aromatic burst of garden-fresh flavors. Commonly used herbs for pizza include basil, oregano, lemon thyme, and rosemary.

Cream Cheese

Adding cream cheese to pizza infuses your pie with a rich, creamy texture and a subtle tanginess that elevates the flavor to new heights.

A Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, where cream cheese serves as a luscious base, complementing the thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, is an excellent example of using cream cheese on pizza.

Pesto Sauce

Adding pesto sauce to your pizza is an excellent way to infuse a little summer into your slice.

Gremolata

Gremolata is a combination of fresh parsley, lemon, and garlic. Italians often use it to add flavor to meats and stews. If you make homemade Gremolata, let the flavors blend for at least a 1/2 hour before adding to your pizza for best results.

Favorite Combinations of Pizza Toppings

Vegetarian Pizza

There are so many different toppings you can add to vegetarian pizza. Mushrooms, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, olives, garlic, brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and pickled peppers are just a few ideas.

Marinara Pizza

Tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic. (No cheese.)

Supreme Pizza

The definition of a supreme pizza can vary from person to person. Traditional ingredients include pizza sauce, red and green bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, black olives, bacon, pepperoni, and basil.

Hawaiian Pizza

This delicious pizza originated in Canada. It has pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, cooked ham or bacon, and pineapple.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

In this pizza, you use barbecue sauce in place of the traditional pizza sauce. Chicken, red onion, cilantro, gouda, and mozzarella.

Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is made with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and olive oil, Margherita pizza is among the most popular types of pizza.

Meat Lover’s Pizza

A meat lovers pizza is topped with your favorite meat combinations and traditional pizza sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. Meat options like sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and ham are just some of the ideas to use to make a flavorful pizza.

Pepperoni Pizza

This yummy pizza has tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni as toppings.

White Pizza

The traditional white pizza is made without tomato sauce. Ingredients include olive oil, garlic, Ricotta cheese, and salt. Other vegetables can be added like spinach, tomatoes, and herbs.

Unusual Combinations of Pizza Toppings

Breakfast Pizza

The sauce of a breakfast pizza is cheese sauce. Its toppings can include sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheese. You can also use country gravy, bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

The combination of fried chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, gorgonzola cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions.

Cheese Bacon Burger Pizza

In Salt Lake City, UT, there’s a loved pizza place called The Pie Pizzeria. It has a pizza called the “Cheese Bacon Burger Pizza.” The dough is tossed with sesame seeds to mimic a cheeseburger bun. Seasoned ground beef, red onions, bacon, tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, and gourmet burger sauce combined make a delicious.

Spicy Thai Pizza

Spicy peanut sauce, chicken breast, carrots, red onions, pineapple, fresh basil, mozzarella, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro is a specialty pizza from The Pie Pizzeria in Salt Lake City, UT.

Greek Pizza

The Pie Pizzeria in Salt Lake City, UT, also has a Greek pizza. Its topped with Tzatziki sauce, gyro meat, mozzarella, feta cheese, fresh-cut tomatoes, red onions, and a squeeze of lemon.

Other Pizza Ideas

Pizza Rock in Las Vegas has a pizza called “Old Smokey.” Applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, Applewood smoked ground beef, caramelized fried onions, and cilantro sound like the perfect combination.

Dino’s Pizza in Seattle has a pizza called “Mr. Pink” that has a vodka sauce made with cream, onions, and garlic. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil completes the pizza.

At Del Popolo Pizza in San Francisco, their signature pizza has their house-made sausage, mozzarella, butternut squash, leeks, and thyme. They also have a Yukon gold, fontina cheese, and rosemary combination.

Fruit Pizza

This pizza starts with a sugar cookie crust. Strawberries, kiwis, mangos, and blueberries are some of ideas to top this pizza.

Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

Making a leftover Thanksgiving pizza is a fun tradition the entire family will love. You use the gravy as your sauce and layer mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey on the pizza. After baking the pizza, add the cranberry sauce on top.

We’ve reached the end of The Best Pizza Toppings and Combinations. I hope you enjoyed it!

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