Best Pizza Topping Ideas

pizza toppings for homemade pizza! From everyone’s favorite Pepperoni to Italian classics like Margarita and Capricious, fully loaded BBQ Meat lovers’ and Supreme, the hardest part about this is deciding which pizza to make tonight. Pizza is one of the most universally well-loved foods. It is as good topped with classics like cheese and pepperoni, as it is with unique topping options like BBQ Chicken, or gourmet toppings like asparagus and Gruyere.

There are so many different ways to make pizza delicious, and in this post, we are going to cover almost every pizza topping option out there!

If this feels like a Domino’s menu for homemade pizza – GOOD! That’s what I’m going for – and this list will continue to grow with time as I add more pizzas.

MOST POPULAR PIZZA TOPPINGS

According to a study done by YouGov, these are the five most popular pizza toppings in America ranked by popularity.

I don’t think any of these are a surprise, but if you are looking to serve pizza to a crowd, be sure to include these options to keep everyone happy!

1. Pepperoni
2. Sausage
3. Mushrooms
4. Bacon
5. Extra Cheese

PIZZA SAUCE IDEAS

The first thing you generally top your pizza with is the sauce. It is a hugely important building block to getting a great-tasting pie.

Pizza sauce can really change the flavor profile of the pizza! Of course, red sauce is the most popular, but there are many more options you can use to change up the flavor.

By making your standard pizza with a new sauce you can completely change the flavor, or you can pick the sauce first and try some new toppings to match it!

traditional Sauces

1. Red sauce
2. Pesto
3. Olive oil and garlic
4. White Pizza Sauce or Alfredo

Creative Sauces

1. BBQ Sauce
2. Ranch Dressing
3. Salsa
4. Buffalo Sauce
5. Sweet Chili Sauce (find this in the Asian section of the grocery store)
6. Teriyaki Sauce
7. Fig jam
8. Greek yogurt

Drizzles

1. Hot sauce
2. Honey
3. Balsamic glaze

MEATS

Meat can really bulk up your pizza and turn it into a filling meal. You can choose classic meat like pepperoni or sausage, a healthy option like chicken breast or shrimp, or do it meat lover’s style and load it up with all of your favorites!

• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Hamburger/Ground beef
• Ham
• Canadian bacon
• Shredded or chopped chicken
• Salami
• Prosciutto
• Anchovies
• Pulled pork
• Meatballs
• Sliced Italian Sausage
• Shrimp
• Egg
• Chorizo
• Sopressata
• Kielbasa
• Hot dogs

VEGGIE TOPPINGS

Vegetable toppings are great for almost any pizza! They compliment pizzas with meat or can be used to make vegetarian or even vegan pizza (more on that below!)

• Green peppers
• Mushrooms
• Sweet onions
• Red onions
• Green onions
• Caramelized onions
• French fried onions
• Black olives
• Red/yellow/orange bell pepper
• Banana peppers
• Jalapeño peppers
• Artichokes
• Eggplant
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Tomato (beefsteak sliced)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Shredded Brussel sprouts
• Arugula
• Bean sprouts
• Dill pickle
• Potato (thinly sliced)
• Corn
• Asparagus
• Yellow squash
• Sweet potato
• Leeks
• Kale
• Roasted red peppers
• Sun-dried tomatoes

FRUIT TOPPINGS

The fruit is a bit less traditional but can really add something special to pizza! From more common options like ham and pineapple to my favorite, pear, and gorgonzola, or upscale gourmet pizzas with fig and prosciutto or grilled peaches. There are many ways to up your pizza game with fruit!

• Pineapple
• Pear
• Fig
• Avocado
• Apple
• Peaches

CHEESE

Cheese is the building block for almost any pizza and one of the most delicious components. Although mozzarella and provolone are the most common cheeses used on pizza, there are many more that can complement the flavors of different pizza options. You can try changing the flavor with a new cheese or layer on a couple of varieties for a cheesier pie!

• Mozzarella (shredded)
• Mozzarella (buffalo)
• Parmesan
• Provolone
• Ricotta
• Bleu cheese
• Goat cheese
• Feta cheese
• Buratta
• Gorgonzola
• Gruyère cheese
• Fontina
• Pepper jack
• Cheddar
• Brie
• Colby Jack
• Pecorino Romano

HERB & SPICES

Herbs and spices can make a huge impact on the flavor of the pizza! You can use dry or fresh depending on what you have on hand. Basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper work pretty universally well on most pizzas, while other herbs like cilantro can complement a special pizza beautifully like BBQ chicken!

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Rosemary
• Crushed red pepper

NUTS & SEEDS

If you want to add a little crunch or texture nuts and seeds can be the way to go. These are usually found on more gourmet style pizzas but can jazz up almost any pie!

1. Sliced almonds
2. Pine nuts
3. Crushed Walnuts
4. Peanut crumble

GOURMET PIZZA TOPPINGS

Gourmet pizzas come in countless flavors! I have listed some of our favorite combinations to make a gourmet pizza below.

• Prosciutto, fig and arugula
• Pear & gorgonzola topped with arugula after cooking – an old California Pizza Kitchen favorite!
• Burrata and Brussel sprout (inspired by Emeril’s restaurant in Destin!)
• Pesto, Artichoke, chicken, and spinach
• Pancetta, asparagus, and gruyere
• Thai sweet chili sauce, zucchini, chicken, red pepper, crushed peanuts
• Peaches, gorgonzola, goat cheese, basil, balsamic glaze drizzle
• Sweet Potato, Kielbasa, and Red Onion
• Blackberry, Goat cheese, and crushed pistachios

HEALTHY PIZZA TOPPINGS

Keep your pizza healthy by using a thin or cauliflower crust, going light on the cheese, then top it with vegetables and lean meats. Here are some of our go-to healthy pizza topping options:

• Marinara sauce
• Chicken breast
• Green peppers
• Black olives
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Tomato
• Sweet peppers

Scroll up to the veggie pizza topping section for even more healthy ideas!

UNIQUE PIZZA TOPPINGS

These toppings may not appeal to everyone, but can be fun additions if you are really looking for something to set your pizza apart!

• Mac & Cheese – as a pizza topping featured at many family-friendly restaurants, this one is a crowd-pleaser
• Chicken nuggets – Lately the wholesale clubs have been stocking chicken nugget pizzas and the kids have been loving it!
• Calamari- Layer this on top of a traditional Margherita pizza for something really special.
• Taco meat- give your pizza a Mexican twist!

DESSERT PIZZA TOPPINGS

Dessert pizza can be made similarly to a regular pizza by using a standard crust but then piling it full of sweet ingredients instead of savory.

• Marshmallows
• The cinnamon-sugar butter sauce
• Chocolate chips
• Hershey bars
• Oreos
• Apple pie filling
• Cherry pie filling
• Streusel topping
• Caramel sauce

Pizza Topping Combinations

Now that you have a seemingly endless list of pizza topping ideas, you may be a little overwhelmed with all of the options.

What pizza do toppings go together to make an extra delicious pie?

The combination of toppings on the pizzas listed below are tried and true favorites, from classic to gourmet, these are crowd-pleasers!

MARGHERITA PIZZA

This classic pizza has its roots back to the first pizzas created in Italy. The colors of the Italian flag (red, white, and green) are mirrored in the toppings put on this simple and flavorful pizza.

1. Sauce: olive oil and garlic
2. Cheese: Buffalo mozzarella
3. Toppings
   1. Sliced san Marzano or beefsteak tomatoes
   2. Fresh basil
   3. Crushed red pepper- optional

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA

BBQ Chicken Pizza is my personal favorite! The tangy barbecue sauce complimented by the chewy crust, sweet onions, and rich cheese is a combo I can’t pass up! The finishing touch is freshly chopped cilantro. Don’t skip it for the best combination of flavors.

1. Sauce: BBQ sauce
2. Cheese: Sharp cheddar or Colby jack
3. Toppings
   1. Shredded or chopped chicken (I like to use rotisserie)
   2. Thinly sliced red onions
   3. Freshly chopped cilantro

For start to finish directions, check out our BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe here.

BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA

The Italians may have invented pizza, but Americans perfected it. This Buffalo Chicken pizza may not be classic Italian, but it sure is delicious! Perfect for those that like a little kick in flavor.

1. Sauce: Ranch dressing
2. Cheese: Sharp cheddar
3. Toppings
   1. Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce
   2. Green onions
   3. Bleu cheese
4. Drizzle:
   1. Buffalo sauce
   2. Ranch dressing

SUPREME PIZZA

If you love to order Supreme Pizza when you order out, you can make the same pizza at home whenever the mood strikes! What toppings are on Supreme pizza, you ask? I’ll tell you!

1. Sauce: red pizza sauce
2. Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
3. Toppings
   1. Pepperoni
   2. Sausage
   3. Bell peppers
   4. Onions
   5. Black olives

VEGAN PIZZA

To make a vegan pizza, ensure you have a crust that is dairy-free. You should be able to find them in traditional wheat-based crust and cauliflower crust options.

The recipe below is a classic vegan pizza. There are many options for vegan pizza, including using traditional, gourmet, and unique topping combinations!

• Sauce: Red pizza sauce
• Cheese: No cheese or Vegan cheese – I think it tastes great without cheese!
• Toppings
  • Bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Mushroom
  • Black olives
  • Fresh basil

HAWAIIAN PIZZA

Hawaiian Pizza is the perfect sweet and savory flavor combo. Salty ham is combined with sweet pineapple and baked to perfection on this pizza.

• Sauce: red pizza sauce
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
• Toppings
  • Canadian Bacon
  • Pineapple
  • Bacon
  • Thinly sliced sweet onions – optional

ARTICHOKE PIZZA

Artichoke pizza can be made a few different ways, but this white version is my favorite. It is creamy and cheesy for a rich and delicious taste. If you want something different, try this pizza with pesto sauce instead!

1. Sauce: white pizza sauce
2. Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano
3. Toppings
   1. Artichokes
   2. Chopped spinach

VEGGIE PIZZA

Loading your pizza up with veggies is a great way to keep pizza more light and healthy. It will reduce the calories per ounce in each serving, and add lots of nutrients and fiber, and are a really delicious way to bulk up your pizza and make it filling.

Whether you are looking for a vegetarian pizza, or just to make your pizza a little healthier, you can load it up with as many veggies as you want. Some of my favorites are suggested below.

1. Sauce: red pizza sauce
2. Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
3. Toppings
   1. Green pepper
   2. Mushroom
   3. Onions
   4. Banana peppers
   5. Tomato
   6. Spinach

CHICKEN BACON RANCH PIZZA

Another classic American flavor combo, Chicken Bacon Ranch is a rich and delicious pie with a ranch base, plenty of cheese and double meat with chicken and bacon.

• Sauce: Ranch
• Cheese: Colby jack
• Toppings
  • Chopped or shredded chicken
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
• Drizzle: Ranch

MEXICAN PIZZA (TACO PIZZA)

If you want something a little more exciting than the same old pizza topping combinations, then this Mexican pizza might be just what you are looking for! It is just like eating tacos… pizza style!

It starts with a salsa base, then taco meat and cheese are added and the pizza is baked. Once out of the oven it is topped with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of sour cream.

• Sauce: Salsa
• Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend
• Toppings
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Pico de gallo
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream

WHITE PIZZA

White pizza is one of the classics! You will always find this flavor at any good New York pizza place.The flavors may be simple, but it doesn’t get much better than this delicious combo.

• Sauce: Garlic and olive oil
• Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano
• Toppings
  • Freshly chopped oregano
  • Freshly chopped thyme
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

GREEK PIZZA

This pizza has all the best Mediterranean flavors and is one of my personal favorites! You can add additional toppings if there are other greek inspired veggies you like, or omit things that your family doesn’t care for.

• Sauce: Olive oil and garlic
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Feta cheese
• Toppings
  • Artichokes
  • Chopped spinach
  • Kalamata olives
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • fresh oregano

CHICKEN ALFREDO PIZZA

This pizza pie is creamy and delicious! With the alfredo base and plenty of cheese, it definitely doesn’t lack flavor. It also happens to be one of my favorite ways to get the kids to eat veggies!

1. Sauce: Alfredo sauce
2. Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano
3. Toppings
   1. Chopped chicken
   2. Chopped spinach
   3. Mushrooms

CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA

If you love pesto, this pizza is a go-to! The toppings are simple but complement each other well. I advise buying the pesto from the refrigerated section of the grocery store for the best results.

1. Sauce: Pesto
2. Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano
3. Toppings
   1. Chopped chicken
   2. Thinly sliced tomatoes
   3. Thinly sliced red onion

This list should give you at least a few ideas for your next pizza night! Make sure to leave me a comment below and let me know what your favorite pizza topping combo is!

Also, if I missed any of your favorite toppings, leave me a note and I will get it added to the list!

Have A Look At Pizza Topping Ideas

Pepperoni

Lots of pepperonis, and lots of cheese! This firm favorite deserves its place at the top of the PizzazTin list. Traditional pizza toppings that are firm favorites – always have been, always will be!

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni

Hormel ORIGINAL PEPPERONI Slices 6oz (2 Pack)

• 2 - 6oz Resealable Bags of Sliced ORIGINAL PEPPERONI by Hormel
• Add zest to a wide variety of dishes with our Original Pepperoni. The great...

$13.80

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ham & Pineapple

If you think you don’t like Hawaiian pizza, that’s because you haven’t tried homemade! I used to be one of “those people”

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, ham, pineapple

Sale

Dole Canned Pineapple Slices in 100% Fruit Juice, 20 Oz

• CAN'T GO WRONG: DOLE Pineapple Slices in 100% Pineapple Juice make almost...
• NATURALLY GLUTEN FREE: DOLE Pineapple Slices in 100% Juice are rich in...
• DELICIOUS PINEAPPLE: With Dole's shelf-stable pineapple products, you can...
• HEALTHY SNACKS AND JUICES: From packaged shelf stable fruit, to dried...
• REFRESHING FLAVOR: Try the refreshing bright flavor of Dole's packed fruit,...

$8.85 −$4.69 $4.16

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Garlic butter prawns and chili

Huge Aussie favorite, a pizza topped with garlic prawns AND finished with a drizzle of garlic butter. Heaven in the form of a pizza!

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, garlic butter prawns, capsicum, onion, chili, rocket

Evaxo Raw Jumbo Shrimp, Frozen (2 lb. bag, 21 - 25 shrimp per pound)

• Evaxo Raw Jumbo Shrimp, Frozen

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sausage & Kale

This is the best way to make pizza with sausage and kale.

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, sausage, kale

Penrose Big Mama Pickled Sausages, 2.4 Oz, 6 Pack

• Take a work break and enjoy one-of-a-kind, delicious Penrose pickled...
• Penrose pickled sausages are always made with quality ingredients, and are...
• Fits a low carb lifestyle with 1 gram net carbs per serving (2 gram total...
• Find them in your local grocery or convenience store, and try all three...
• Penrose big mama pickled sausages contain 160 calories with zero grams...

$7.55

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

More topping ideas!

Though the recipe for these is not listed below, here are some more pizza topping ideas that we love. I will be working my way through them and adding photos and recipes over the coming months!

• Hot n’ spicy (spicy salami, capsicum, sliced jalapenos, onions, hot sauce)
• Aussie pizza (bacon, red onion, a whole egg cracked on)
• Caramelized onion, feta, beef mince
• Squid, chorizo, rocket
• Spring pizza (zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, spinach, and pesto dolloped on just before serving)
• Seafood pizza (precooked squid, mussels, clams, prawns, etc)
• BBQ Chicken (BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onion, smoked paprika)

Italian Classics

Pizza toppings for classic Italian favorites, just like you find on the menu of the very best wood-fired Italian pizzerias!

Don Pepino Pizza Sauce

A classic Italian favorite, one of the best examples of how simple is best! This pizza truly is magnificent.

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, buffalo mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt

Don Pepino Pizza Sauce, 14.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)

• Fully prepared pizza sauce made from fresh vine ripened tomatoes
• This unique sauce includes pure corn oil, salt, spices and garlic
• Family recipe you can trust
• Cholesterol free
• Rich in taste and texture

$17.54

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Mushrooms, Olives

This is a magnificent combination and a firm RecipeTin Family favorite! 

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, ham, artichoke, mushrooms, olives

Pennsylvania Dutchman Canned Mushrooms - 12/4 oz. cans

• America's Favorite Mushroom
• Stems & pieces

$19.95

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Quattro Formaggio (Four Cheese Pizza)

This combination of cheeses is just spectacular! 

Ingredients: mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, blue cheese

Evaxo Pepperoni/Four-Cheese Thin Crust Pizza Singles 1 pk. / 12 ct. #S

• Evaxo Pepperoni/Four-Cheese Thin Crust Pizza Singles

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Prosciutto 

Another firm favorite, paper-thin slices of prosciutto is perfectly paired with peppery rocket (arugula). I could eat this every day!

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, rocket/arugula, extra virgin olive oil

Authentic Prosciutto di Parma DOP by Fontana - Pre-Sliced (3 ounce)

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CHEESE & GARLIC PIZZA

Garlic bread – in pizza form! You’ll love the oregano flavor in this.

Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, garlic, oregano.

Pastorelli® Pizza Sauce – Original Italian Pizza Sauce made with Imported Extra Virgin Pizza Olive Oil and Pecorino Romano Cheese Shredded – Since 1952 Family Pizza Sauce Recipe – 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)

• Award Winning Pizza Sauce - Pastorelli Pizza Sauce Italian Chef has...
• Eatable & Digestible Pizza Sauce Canned - Pizza Sauce is Gluten Free...
• Unleash Your Inner Pizza Chef - Whether you are a Gourmet Chef or...
• Rich Zesty Flavor Sauce - Enjoy the infinite possibilities of the...
• Trouble Free Storage - Pastorelli Pizza Sauce is canned and...

$38.28

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Potato slice 

Carb on carb perfection. The pops of rosemary flavor in this are just divine.

Ingredients: mozzarella, potato, fresh rosemary, extra virgin olive oil

Sale

Augason Farms Dehydrated Potato Slices 1 lb 1 oz No. 10 Can

• 28 servings
• 1,960 calories
• Certified gluten-free
• Perfect for Food Storage, Emergencies, Survival, Camping, and Everyday Use!
• Up to a 25 Year Shelf Life!

$21.99 −$5.72 $16.27

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Watch How To Make It

Bestseller No. 1

Let's Make a Pizza - Pretend Food Playset with 4 Wooden Pie Slices, 140 Felt Toppings, Wood Roller, and 3-in-1 Cardboard Box Prep Station, Oven, & Serving Table - Cute Cooking Toys for Boys & Girls

• MAMMA MIA: Everybody loves pizza! Encourage your little chef to prep, cook,...
• WHAT'S ON THE MENU: Fully stocked with 4 wooden slices of pizza crust, and...
• NO PLAY KITCHEN REQUIRED: Smart box art design with prepping board on one...
• EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: Learn to cook while developing fine motor...
• SAFE PLAY: Pizza parts and cut roller are made from quality solid wood and...

$19.99

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 2

Pizza: Over 100 Innovative Recipes for Crusts, Sauces, and Toppings for Every Pizza Lover (CompanionHouse Books) How to Make Perfect Pies, whether Classic, Meat & Cheese, Keto, Gluten-Free, or Vegan

• Cuthbert, Pippa (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages - 10/15/2019 (Publication Date) - Creative Homeowner Press...

$19.99

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 3

Osmo - Pizza Co. - Ages 5-12 - Communication Skills & Math - Learning Game - STEM Toy - For iPad or Fire Tablet (Osmo Base Required)

• OSMO IS MAGIC: Fun-filled & award winning learning games. Children interact...
• TEACHING: Make pizza for customers, collect payment & make change...
• SKILLS LEARNED: Real-world (business) math, money, addition, subtraction,...
• AGE & CAPABILITY: Ages 5-12+. Game is designed for beginner to expert...
• WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Pizza/Tray, Toppings, Money tiles, Stackable storage for...

$39.99

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 4

Ice Cooled Condiment Serving Container Chilled Garnish Tray Bar Caddy for Home Work or Restaurant

• Practical: The G. Francis Ice Cooled Condiment Holder organizes a large...
• Versatile: Each of the white tray compartments have a holding capacity of 1...
• Compatible: This condiment holder fits all standard mixing rails and bars -...
• Dishwasher Safe: The top cover is hinged but can simply be removed, which...
• Closed Bottom: Holder is not open on the bottom, so condiments are 100...

$39.09 −$5.10 $33.99

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 5

New Star Foodservice 48049 Stainless Steel Condiment Dispenser with 6 Compartments (NO ICE TRAY INCLUDED)

• Commercial-Grade stainless steel body provides the ultimate durabilty to...
• Clear, acrylic hinged lid design protects garnishes & allows condiments to...
• Works well for back and front of house applications allowing you to store...
• Condiment garnish center is ideal for storing various garnishes like...
• Comes with 6 easy to clean food safe plastic pint inserts. (NO ICE TRAY...

$25.97 −$4.00 $21.97

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SaRa Hossain

hello. I’m Sara Hossain. I’m 24 years old. right now I’m a master’s student. I love to cook.this is why I create this website.on my website you can find out everything about pizza. I think you will benefit a lot to know about pizza and pizza accessories.