Pizza Topping Ideas – The MEGA List

This list of Pizza Topping Ideas contains over 100 ideas for topping your pizza, which translates to hundreds of thousands of combinations for creating a pizza.

Whether you want to make a gourmet pizza, host a make your own pizza party, or just find some new inspiration for family pizza night, there is a topping idea for that!

this Recipe

 

What’s good on Pizza?

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! These topping ideas are perfect for using a traditional pizza crust, or something quick like my garlic bread pizza.

Save this list for your pizza night, and make sure to drop me a note in the comment section at the bottom of this post to let me know what your favorite combination is!

Check out my salad bar ideas if you need something to go with your pizza night too!

Pizza Topping Ideas

Make sure to scroll through this list to find endless ideas for combinations of sauces, cheese, vegetables, meat, and seasonings you can use for pizza toppings. You can find ideas for specific combinations of toppings for pizza at the bottom of this post.

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

• 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

Meat Toppings for Pizza

Meat can really bulk up your pizza and turn it into a filling meal. You can choose a 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 for Pizza

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

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

Pizza Cheese Options

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 compliment the flavors of different pizza options.

You can try changing the flavor with a new cheese or layer on a couple 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 compliment 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 crumbles

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 you pizza healthy by using a thin or cauliflower crust, going light on the cheese, then topping 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
• Shrimp Alfredo Pizza – The best way to put seafood on your pizza!
• 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
• Cinnamon sugar butter sauce
• Chocolate chips
• Hershey bars
• Oreos
• Apple pie filling
• Cherry pie filling
• Streusel topping
• Caramel sauce

How to Layer a Pizza with Toppings

Assembling a pizza is easy! Most places agree that the perfect order for putting toppings on a pizza is to start with the crust, then layer on the following ingredients in this order:

1. Sauce- spread sauce on the crust. Don’t get too heavy handed or it could result in soggy or floppy pizza.
2. Cheese- next add a layer of cheese. If you are using multiple cheeses you can add the accent cheese at the end in step 6.
3. Meat toppings- layer on the meats for the pizza.
4. Vegetable toppings- Evenly sprinkle veggie toppings over the pizza.
5. Seasonings- add any fresh herbs or seasonings
6. Extra cheese- If you want a second cheese, or an extra layer add it last.

Use this as a guide, however you can absolutely mix it up, skip a step if you don’t want that type of topping or try new things.

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 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 it’s 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 beef steak 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 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 or BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza 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
  • Mushrooms

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 compliment 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!