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.
Table of Contents
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!
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Mushrooms
- Bacon
- 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
- Red sauce
- Pesto
- Olive oil and garlic
- White Pizza Sauce or Alfredo
Creative Sauces
- BBQ Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Salsa
- Buffalo Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce (find this in the Asian section of the grocery store)
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Fig jam
- Greek yogurt
Drizzles
- Hot sauce
- Honey
- 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!
- Sliced almonds
- Pine nuts
- Crushed Walnuts
- 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.
- Sauce: olive oil and garlic
- Cheese: Buffalo mozzarella
- Toppings
- Sliced san Marzano or beefsteak tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- 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.
- Sauce: BBQ sauce
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or Colby jack
- Toppings
- Shredded or chopped chicken (I like to use rotisserie)
- Thinly sliced red onions
- 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.
- Sauce: Ranch dressing
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar
- Toppings
- Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce
- Green onions
- Bleu cheese
- Drizzle:
- Buffalo sauce
- 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!
- Sauce: red pizza sauce
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
- Toppings
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- 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!
- Sauce: white pizza sauce
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano
- Toppings
- Artichokes
- 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.
- Sauce: red pizza sauce
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend
- Toppings
- Green pepper
- Mushroom
- Onions
- Banana peppers
- Tomato
- 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!
- Sauce: Alfredo sauce
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano
- Toppings
- Chopped chicken
- Chopped spinach
- 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.
- Sauce: Pesto
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano
- Toppings
- Chopped chicken
- Thinly sliced tomatoes
- 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
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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
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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
Last update on 2022-01-22 / 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
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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
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Mushrooms, Olives
This is a magnificent combination and a firm RecipeTin Family favorite!
Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, ham, artichoke, mushrooms, olives
- America's Favorite Mushroom
- Stems & pieces
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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
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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
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CHEESE & GARLIC PIZZA
Garlic bread – in pizza form! You’ll love the oregano flavor in this.
Ingredients: Pizza sauce, mozzarella, garlic, oregano.
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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
- 28 servings
- 1,960 calories
- Certified gluten-free
- Perfect for Food Storage, Emergencies, Survival, Camping, and Everyday Use!
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