The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Pizza Toppings (From Pizza Experts)

Here at Prepa Pizza, we know a thing or two about pizza toppings. There's no right answer to what you should put on your pizza, but there are certain pizza toppings that just make sense. Whether you prefer classic flavors, like the mozzarella cheese and basil found on a Margherita pizza, or you're willing to try something a little more adventurous, we have some of the best pizza topping ideas to take your pizza night to the next level.

Choosing the Best Pizza Toppings

With thousands of pizza toppings out there, choosing the best one can feel like a challenge. Do you go for a traditional tomato and mozzarella cheese pizza, or do you branch out and choose something you've never gone for before?

The truth is, it's better to keep it simple. Choose a few toppings that stand out to you, whether that's fresh basil, parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, or black olives, and go from there. You're bound to find other flavors to complement each other, creating a pizza that will be delicious right up until the last slice.

The Most Popular Pizza Toppings

You may be a pizza lover who's looking to try something new, or you might be searching for the best pizza topping ideas for a pizza party. No matter what you need, our list of the ultimate pizza toppings has got you covered. Stick with what you know or take your taste buds for a ride - the choice is yours.

Mozzarella and Basil (Margherita)

The Margherita pizza is a timeless classic, topped with universally loved ingredients that make any pizza lover's mouth water just to think about. This classic is a variety of the Neapolitan, a type of thin-crust pizza that originated from the cobbled streets of Naples in Italy, so it's no wonder that this dish is so popular and loved worldwide.

The brilliance of this pizza lies in its simplicity. Made from a traditional pizza dough with only a few toppings, including a tart tomato pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, this dish brings a taste of Italy right to your door. It's important that these ingredients are fresh - the fresher they are, the richer the taste.

One thing is for sure - the popularity of these pizza toppings proves that sometimes less is best when it comes to food.

If you want to make your own traditional Italian pizza from scratch, check out our Neapolitan pizza dough recipe, which has all the information you need to create delicious pizza using a few basic ingredients.

Traditional Pepperoni

Just like the Margherita, pepperoni is another classic that tantalizes the tastebuds of pizza lovers worldwide. Pepperoni pizza originated in America, but the roots of pepperoni can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. It's no wonder that pepperoni is one of the world's favorite pizza toppings.

With a spicy and smoky flavor and crispy texture, this pizza topping works perfectly with bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce. Indulgent, comforting and just downright tasty, this pizza topping will be here for years to come.

If you want to get even more flavor out of your pepperoni pizza, we recommend combining it with honey as well.

Prosciutto and Rocket

If you prefer a more sophisticated pallet, then prosciutto and rocket might be the perfect pizza topping combination for you. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic vinegar glaze will take the flavors of this pizza to the next level.

Ham and Pineapple (Hawaiian)

We get it - Hawaiian pizzas can be a source of conflict. Is there really any place for pineapple on pizza? But the truth of the matter is - yes! Ham and pineapple are universally loved pizza toppings, and there's a big reason for that. They balance sweet and savory flavors in a single bite. There's just something deeply satisfying about the combination of fresh, juicy pineapple and smoky ham. So whether you're a fan or not, it's definitely here to stay.

Four Cheese (Quattro Formaggio)

If you're a cheese lover, this one is for you. The Quattro Formaggio pizza is famous for blending a number of cheeses on a single pizza, typically combining fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and Parmesan cheese. If you're someone who can appreciate all the different flavors of cheese from different types of cheese, this one is for you.
Looking for vegan pizza instead? See our vegan pizza dough recipe to impress your friends at any dinner party.

Spinach and Artichoke

Artichokes are another popular ingredient that will take the taste of your pizza to the next level. With mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, garlic butter, spinach, and (of course) artichoke hearts, these pizza toppings are a delight for the tastebuds.

Texan BBQ

There's something so satisfying about the bold, smoky flavor of a Texan BBQ pizza. Typically made with chicken and red onions, this pizza swaps its traditional tart tomato base for the tangy taste of barbecue sauce. Sweet and sharp, this is a crowd-pleasing pizza for the whole family.

Ham, Artichoke, Mushrooms, Olives (Capricciosa)

This traditional Italian flavor is loaded with delicious, mouth-watering toppings. Experience the flavors and textures of ham, artichokes, mushrooms, and black olives as they explode on your tongue with every bite. The olives have a saltiness that works well with the earthy taste of the mushrooms, making this pizza perfect for people who love huge bursts of flavor with every single bite.

Gorgonzola and Mushroom

Mushrooms might not be everyone's favorite topping, but gorgonzola and mushrooms are a match made in heaven - trust us. Gorgonzola is creamy and rich, which works so well with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. We also recommend sprinkling fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to create an even more delicious pizza.

Buffalo Chicken

If you love spicy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza might be the best choice for you. With grilled chicken (that's usually been shredded) and a hot buffalo sauce, these pizza toppings are a true treat for the tastebuds. This type of pizza works well with many different cheeses, but we recommend blue cheese for even more of a kick. Red onions, celery, or bell peppers are also a great addition to this pizza.

Spinach and Feta Cheese

Spinach and feta cheese toppings are perfect for those craving a fresh, Mediterranean taste on their pizza. With salty, earthy, and sour flavors, this pizza is perfect for those who appreciate taste. We recommend pairing this pizza with garlic or a splash of extra virgin olive oil for even more flavor.

These toppings work perfectly for sourdough pizza dough, bringing together tangy, salty, and rich flavors.

White Pizza

Also known as Pizza Bianca, this is a classic Italian dish that ditches the traditional tomato sauce. Instead, it uses a white sauce (which is often made from ricotta cheese) to create a creamy, irresistible base. This is a great option if you're looking for something different.

Mushroom and Truffle Oil

This gourmet pizza is made up of mushrooms and gooey mozzarella, and overall, it has an earthy taste. A drizzle of truffle oil is what takes this pizza up a notch.

Bacon and Egg

Breakfast foods might not be what comes to mind when you think of pizza, but, trust us, it's delicious. Top your pizza with crispy bacon and a few eggs. We recommend cooking until the eggs are cooked but still runny or jammy for a texture that's unbeatable.

Don't Just Stick to What You Know

One of the best things about pizza is it gives you plenty of chance to experiment with flavors and find a topping combination to hit the spot. Your favorite pizza might still be out there waiting for you to discover it, and you'll never know!

From fresh tomato and caramelized onions to green peppers and ricotta cheese, there are so many ingredients you can use to top your pizza.

The Lowdown on Pizza Sauces

Once you've baked the perfect base, you need to choose the right sauce. The sauce is just as important as the rest of the ingredients, creating a foundation for all the other flavors, and tying the whole pizza together. And although tomato sauce is the most common pizza sauce, there are a few others you might want to give a try, too.

• Tomato Sauce: This is a classic choice that makes up the foundation of many different pizza toppings, from a simple cheese pizza to pepperoni. A fresh tomato sauce is usually made up of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, creating the perfect base for almost any pizza.
• White Sauce: Not as common as traditional tomato, this sauce creates a rich, creamy base. Made with garlic, butter, and cheese, it’ll give you an indulgent pizza. This type of sauce pairs beautifully with toppings such as mushrooms, spinach, feta, and chicken, but don't be afraid to try other ingredients, too.
• Pesto: This makes a beautiful and fresh alternative to traditional sauces. Made from basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, this sauce pairs wonderfully with lighter toppings such as goat cheese or vegetables.
• BBQ Sauce: Tangy, sweet, and a little bit spicy, BBQ sauce makes a great base for toppings such as red onion, BBQ chicken, bell peppers, and more.

Our Top Tips for Building the Perfect Pizza

Although building the perfect pizza ultimately comes down to choosing the right toppings, there's so much more to it than that. Here are some tips to follow to build a pizza that will impress at any dinner party.

Start with a Good Dough: Although pizza toppings are what tie the dish together, you can't have a great pizza without a good pizza crust. Your pizza crust should be crispy, airy, and chewy but stable enough to hold all your toppings. Our Prepa Pizza kits will ensure you get the perfect dough every single time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Poor-tasting ingredients will lead to a poor-tasting pizza overall. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Avoid overly processed foods and choose fragrant herbs, rich sauces, and fresh vegetables instead.
• Don’t Overload the Pizza: More doesn't always mean better. In fact, when it comes to pizza toppings, less is actually more. Too many toppings can leave you with a soggy crust that sinks in the middle - yuck! Take it from the Italians - simplicity is key for a perfectly crisp pizza.
• Preheat Your Oven: You'll get the best results if you bake your pizza at the highest temperature your oven can go. This will give you that crispy, airy crust that is a staple of traditional Neapolitan pizzas.
• Cook on a Pizza Stone: A pizza stone will help your pizza cook evenly without a professional wood-burning oven. Just make sure to heat it up for 30 minutes before baking your pizza.
• Think About Layers: We don't want to keep going on about overloading your pizza, but it's important. Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce over your base, and then layer your cheese and toppings evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Pizza Topping

What Do Real Italians Put on Their Pizza?

Italians like to keep their pizzas simple, using high-quality, premium, and fresh ingredients. They make sure to have a well-fermented dough base using 00 flour and complement that with simple toppings such as mozzarella, fresh basil, a rich tomato sauce, and olive oil. This is where the pizza Margherita comes from. Other ingredients can also include prosciutto, arugula, and anchovies.

Without overloading the base with lots of toppings, these simple ingredients are allowed to shine, which is what creates that iconic Italian pizza flavor.

What Toppings Don’t Go On Pizza?

One of the best things about pizza is that it's so versatile. This means that pretty much everything goes with pizza, and you don't have to stick to classic pizza toppings. Why not create a taco pizza with ground beef and that famous Mexican seasoning? Or go completely out of the box and create a curry pizza? The options for delicious pizza are endless.

If there's anything we wouldn't recommend, it's overly processed or sweet ingredients, like candy or chocolate for savory pizzas. But other than that, who are we to judge?

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Make the Perfect Pizza Base With Prepa Pizza Kits

If you want truly remarkable pizza, you need a fantastic base to support your favorite pizza topping combinations. Luckily, we've got you covered. Make the perfect pizza dough with Prepa Pizza's pizza dough kits.

• Premium and Healthy Ingredients - With six organic ingredients, including soft white wheat flour, olive oil, honey sea salt, malt powder, and active dry yeast, you have everything you need to make a delicious and healthy pizza.
• No Additives or Preservatives - Unlike pre-made store-bought dough, our kits don't contain any harmful extras or chemicals. Just pure, organic ingredients.
• Authentic Pizza Dough - We import our 00 flour straight from Italy, which means you get that authentic Italian pizza taste every single time.
• Great For Every Pizza Party - Our kits don't just make pizzas; they make garlic knots, breadsticks, and more. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or throwing a pizza night, get everything you need to impress in one kit.
• Perfect Pizza in All Ovens - From traditional wood pizza ovens and grills to simple home ovens, you get the same delicious results, no matter what.
• For All Skill Levels - Our kits are suitable for all pizza lovers, whether you're a pizza pro or you've never made a pizza in your life. Our kits save time and effort, taking all the guesswork out of making pizza.
  

If you like the sound of getting that perfect pizza every single time, purchase our pizza dough kit today and create a delicious base for all your favorite pizza toppings.

Conclusion

Pizza is as delicious as it is simple. And the best thing? There aren’t any rules. Create traditional pizzas with classic combinations such as cheese and tomato, or try new, adventurous flavors that will get everyone talking. No matter what you choose, you can create a pizza you’ll never forget.