20+ Pizza Toppings For You To Create Your Perfect Pie

Pepperoni is possibly the most popular pizza topping which is why it is placed number one on our list. It holds a special place in the hearts of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Originating from Italian-American culinary traditions, pepperoni is a type of cured and seasoned dry sausage, typically made from beef and pork.

When scattered generously on pizza, pepperoni undergoes a magical transformation in the oven. The thin slices curl and crisp at the edges, releasing their flavorful oils and creating delectable, slightly charred bits.

Veggies are a preferred pizza topping in both vegan as well as regular pizza. Even though some veggies are added raw, roasted vegetables are possibly the more popular version of this topping. Typically, the veggies used are bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions which get roasted during the cooking process to intensify their natural sweetness.

This technique not only enhances the taste but also creates a pleasing texture—tender yet slightly crispy edges. Paired with a smear of tomato sauce and melted cheese, the roasted vegetables contribute a hearty and nutritious component to the pizza.

As another topping, mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor along with a satisfying meaty texture to the pizza. Whether you opt for classic button mushrooms, cremini, or exotic varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, they bring a depth of umami that complements the pizza's cheese and sauce.

When cooked before being placed atop the pizza, mushrooms develop a caramelized intensity in their flavor. Their ability to absorb and enhance surrounding flavors makes them a perfect companion to other toppings like onions, garlic, or spinach.

Sliced or diced, onions are a common ingredient that goes on top of a pizza. It brings a unique taste and texture to the pizza. When cooked in the oven, onions undergo a transformation, caramelizing and becoming tender, imparting a sweet and slightly tangy essence to the pizza.

Whether red, white, or yellow, onions offer a spectrum of flavors, allowing for customization based on personal preferences. Red onions bring a mild sweetness, white onions provide a classic pungency, and yellow onions offer a balanced combination of both.

Black olives are best known for their rich and briny flavor. These small, dark fruits are not only visually appealing with their deep color but also contribute a unique texture and taste to the pizza landscape. Commonly scattered atop a bed of tomato sauce and melted cheese, black olives are known for a particular bitterness that balances the overall flavor of the pizza.

These pair well with other toppings like mushrooms, feta, or pepperoni.

Chicken as a pizza topping adds a protein-packed dimension to the beloved dish. Because chicken in itself is such a versatile protein, it can be grilled, roasted, or seasoned to complement the other ingredients of the pizza.

Common chicken pizza variations include BBQ Chicken Pizza, where succulent chicken is glazed with tangy barbecue sauce, complemented by red onions and cilantro for a sweet and savory combination. Another popular choice is the Chicken Alfredo Pizza, featuring a creamy Alfredo sauce base, tender chicken pieces, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

This one is up for debate but there is no denying that it is one of the more popular toppings that go on pizza. Proponents of pineapple on pizza argue that the sweet, juicy fruit provides a delightful contrast to the salty and savory components. However, critics contend that the sweetness of pineapple disrupts the pizza's harmony, asserting that fruits have no place in this savory staple.

Even with this heated discussion at play, the popularity of pineapple on pizza doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.

Often added to the classic Margherita pizza, basil adds a fragrant and flavorful touch to a pizza. This herb, with its sweet and slightly peppery notes, brings a fresh and aromatic dimension to the pizza experience. Whether used as a primary topping or as a finishing touch after the pizza has been baked, basil adds a burst of color and a delightful burst of herbal freshness.

When placed on a pizza, basil leaves release their essential oils, infusing the entire pie with a captivating aroma. The vibrant green leaves not only contribute visual appeal but also complement a variety of other toppings.

Pickled jalapenos are for those who like a bold and zesty kick to pizza. The addition of jalapenos transforms a classic dish into a spicy and flavorful delight. The green peppers are marinated in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices before being placed on top of a saucy pizza.

It works best on a pepperoni pizza, however, many love the idea of pairing jalapenos with pineapple and onions.

Spinach might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of pizza toppings. However, there is a particular flavor and health benefits associated with using spinach as a pizza topping. Its tender leaves wilt and become pleasantly crisp during baking which provides an additional texture to the pizza.

Beyond its culinary appeal, spinach is a nutrient-rich choice. Packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, it not only enhances the nutritional profile of your pizza but also contributes to a visually appealing and colorful dish.

Sweet corn works best with vegetarian pizza. The golden kernels, often freshly cut from the cob, offer a crisp texture and a natural sweetness that harmonizes with the other ingredients.

In addition to its pleasing taste, sweet corn contributes a vibrant yellow color that enhances the visual appeal of the pizza. Paired with ingredients like red onions, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes, sweet corn adds a pop of color.

Sun-dried tomatoes are ruby-red gems made from tomatoes that have been dried to concentrate their natural sweetness. When scattered over pizza, sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, robust taste that makes sense to this Italian comfort food.

Their concentrated flavor elevates the overall taste of the pizza, offering a sweet and umami-packed contrast to gooey cheese and savory toppings. It provides a gourmet touch to the pizza as a contrast to the softer components of the pizza.

Ricotta cheese has a creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. When added atop a pizza, it adds a luscious touch to both traditional and inventive recipes. Spread over the pizza dough or dolloped strategically among other toppings, ricotta contributes a rich, smooth consistency that beautifully complements the contrasting textures of melted mozzarella and the crust.

Its versatility shines as it pairs exceptionally well with various ingredients. For a classic approach, combine ricotta with spinach and garlic for a timeless white pizza. Alternatively, layer it with sliced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh and vibrant experience.

Bacon and ham are two iconic pork-based toppings that bring a savory and smoky dimension to the world of pizza. Bacon, with its crispy texture and salty richness, adds a satisfying crunch to each bite while ham offers a succulent and slightly sweet quality. With a distinct flavor profile and easy availability, these two toppings can be used on their own or together to intensify the meatiness of a pizza.

Whether you're a fan of the intense smokiness of bacon or the juicy tenderness of ham, these pork toppings have secured their place as pizza royalty.

If you want to use ground beef as a pizza topping, it works best when seasoned and cooked. When added with melted cheese and savory tomato sauce, the ground beef creates a combination of textures and tastes.

Seasoning ground beef with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs enhances its flavor profile, elevating the overall taste of the pizza. Ground beef is a key component of iconic pizzas like the classic meat lover's, where it combines with other savory meats for a carnivore's delight.

Anchovies are small, oily fish that are typically cured and salted before finding their way onto pizzas. Like pineapples, anchovies are also a divisive subject among pizza enthusiasts. Anchovies are a classic choice for those who appreciate the depth and authenticity of traditional Italian flavors.

While anchovies may not be for everyone, their presence on a pizza pays homage to the rich culinary history of this iconic dish.

Artichoke hearts bring a delightful burst of Mediterranean flavor to pizza. These tender, marinated hearts are the edible inner portion of the artichoke flower, known for their mild, slightly nutty taste.

You can pair it with creamy cheeses like mozzarella and feta or combine it with fresh tomatoes and olives. Their ability to hold up well to heat means they become tender and develop a subtle caramelized flavor during the baking process.

Adding a fried egg as a pizza topping is a culinary innovation that introduces a rich and velvety texture. The combination of a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk, when placed atop a pizza, creates a luxurious and indulgent experience. As the pizza bakes, the egg's yolk becomes lusciously creamy, infusing the surrounding ingredients with its golden richness.

This unconventional yet increasingly popular topping choice has become a favorite among food enthusiasts, blending breakfast and dinner in a popular fusion.

From succulent shrimp and tender calamari to briny clams and flavorful morsels of crab, the seafood spectrum provides a diverse range of options for pizza aficionados.

One popular choice is the classic Shrimp Scampi Pizza, where plump shrimp are nestled atop a canvas of garlic-infused olive oil, complemented by fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Another favorite is the Frutti di Mare Pizza, featuring a bountiful mix of assorted seafood like mussels, clams, and squid, often accented with a zesty tomato sauce and a hint of chili for a tantalizing kick.

The juxtaposition of sweet figs against a savory backdrop creates a sensory symphony, making figs a versatile and sophisticated pizza topping choice for those seeking a culinary adventure that balances the line between sweet and savory sophistication.

The succulent, honeyed flavor of fresh figs, combined with their unique chewy texture, adds a gourmet touch to pizzas. When paired with savory elements like prosciutto, goat cheese, and arugula, figs contribute a complex and well-balanced profile that tantalizes the taste buds.

21. Honey

22. Sausage

23. Feta Cheese

24. Ripe Tomatoes

25. Pickles

26. Prosciutto

27. Extra Cheese

28. Arugula

29. Garlic

30. Potatoes