This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
Here are the most popular pizza toppings that make crowd-pleasing homemade pizzas! From classic Margherita to creative combinations, here’s everything you need for your next pizza night.
Sure, you can throw just about anything on a pizza. But as a homemade pizza expert, I’ve found that there are certain pizza topping ideas that make incredible pizzas every time: from the classic Margherita pizza to unique pies like taco pizza and pickle pizza.
What are the best pizza toppings? The classics are classics for a reason, like pepperoni (obviously), chicken BBQ, and Hawaiian pizza. But to me, the magic happens when you start playing with your own ideas: like fresh basil, prosciutto, sauteed portobello mushrooms, and a little hot honey or drizzle of truffle oil. Of course, my favorite pizza sauce always seals the deal!
The Most Popular Pizza Toppings
One of the most popular pizza toppings...ever? Margherita pizza! Invented in the 1800s, pizza margherita showcases the colors of the Italian flag: red from the tomato sauce, white from the mozzarella, and green from the basil.
The supreme pizza is a very popular pizza topping, though the exact definition varies on the pizzeria! It starts with a base of pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. The most common supreme toppings are pepperoni, sausage, green bell pepper, black olives, mushrooms, and red onions.
Another in the most common pizza toppings? Cheese pizza. This one tastes infinitely better than your standard delivery pizza, pairing my popular tangy pizza sauce with shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella to get the gooiest, cheesiest pie.
Pesto is another popular pizza topping, and you don't even need a recipe! Spread the dough base with basil pesto, then top with mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced fresh tomatoes (adding a pinch of salt to the tomatoes before cooking). Step it up with homemade basil pesto.
Breakfast pizza means one thing: scrambled eggs on pizza! This pizza topping is a popular way to turn this beloved food into a morning meal. Top the dough with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, then add scrambled eggs, sausage (optional), bell peppers, and red onion.
Taco pizza is a popular pizza topping that replicates the experience of a taco right on a pizza. This version is a fan-favorite that replicates the Pizza Hut special. Top the dough with refried beans and Mexican style cheese, then add tomatoes, black olives, green onion and crunchy lettuce. Top it off with crunchy tortilla chips and a drizzle of ranch.
Go big on mushrooms with this pizza! This pizza topping idea features mushrooms sautéed with fresh thyme and oregano, finished with a pop of lemon. Top the dough with olive oil, then mozzarella cheese. Add the mushrooms, dollops of goat cheese, and a sprinkle more of fresh herbs. It's heavenly!
A fun, simple pizza topping? Arugula! Bake up any toppings you like. When the pizza comes out of the oven, top it with peppery baby arugula, dressed simply with a hint of olive oil and salt. It adds a fresh crunchy to each bite! (Make sure to find baby arugula for this; standard arugula is much too strong.)
Another great pizza topping? Artichokes! This spinach artichoke pizza replicates the popular hot dip right on a pizza crust. Brush the crust with oil, then top it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, garlic, sautéed spinach, and tangy artichoke hearts.
Here’s a pie that’s one of the Italian greats: Quattro Formaggi! This classic Italian combination of four cheese is popular for a reason: combine each flavor and texture and it makes one completely irresistible slice! There’s the melty mozzarella, sharp and salty Parmesan and Pecorino cheese, and the subtle funk of gorgonzola.
Try this red pepper pizza with feta and oregano! It's topped with my famous 5 minute pizza sauce. mozzarella cheese, jarred roasted red pepper strips and salty feta cheese. Baked until the crust is golden and showered with fresh oregano, it’s one unforgettable pie!
White pizza, or pizza bianca in Italian, is a pizza made without a red tomato sauce. Instead, it uses either a white-colored sauce or a fine brushing of olive oil over the dough before topping it. The white sauce can be a cream sauce like an alfredo, or a soft cheese like ricotta cheese. This recipe stars ricotta cheese mixed with garlic as the base, with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Greek pizza is a colorful pizza topping idea that's always a hit! Top the dough with tomato sauce, then mozzarella cheese and a load of veggies: spinach, black olives, tomatoes, and red onion. Cover it all with a generous sprinkling of feta cheese.
Calling all seafood lovers! This pie is just for you! This delectable seafood pizza is full of bold flavors, featuring shrimp and scallops sauteed with garlic until they’re succulent and tender. They’re sprinkled onto a layer of seasoned ricotta cheese, then topped with gooey mozzarella, red onion and herbs.
The simpler the better with Italian cuisine, and I've found that with pizza, a few curated ingredients can make magic. Here a mix of briny green and black olives interplay with thin slivers of red onion, pops of salty capers, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s one dream pie for olive lovers!
Rich and creamy burrata cheese is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So why not use it as a pizza topping? Here’s theultimate pizza: a traditional Margherita pizza with gooey burrata cheese on top. Slather the crust with red sauce, then add mozzarella and halfway through the cook time, burrata cheese. Top with fresh basil leaves and enjoy.
What's better than fluffy dollops of goat cheese on a pizza? (Not much.) This one features my top rated tomato pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and generous dollops of goat cheese. Top it off with fresh basil, and this one's a pie to write home about.
Shrimp makes a surprisingly tasty pizza topping. The garlicky, buttery shrimp against creamy ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is one of the best pizza toppings you'll have. It tastes shrimp alfredo on a pizza crust instead of noodles…which is just as good as it sounds.
Pickles as a pizza topping? This unusual pizza pairs a creamy garlic dill sauce with loads of gooey cheese and tangy bursts of pickle. It might sound odd: until you take the first bite. The flavors work remarkably well together.
Are you basil obsessed? Try Everything Basil Pizza! That means garlicky, thick homemade basil pesto slathered onto perfect pizza dough, topped with gooey mozzarella and a huge handful of fresh basil leaves. It’s the brightest green pizza you’ll make.
Love heat in your pizza toppings? Jalapeno peppers are ideal for adding bright zingy flavor to your pie. This pizza has a base of tangy salsa verde, topped with mozzarella cheese. Pair the heat of the jalapeno with savory zucchini and bright sweet corn, and it’s a uniquely delicious pie.
The best way to eat your greens? On pizza! This pizza is all about garlicky, savory flavor. Ricotta makes for a creamy base, and mozzarella and Parmesan add stretchy texture and savory flavor. Top it off with herbed spinach and a few colorful vegetables, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Looking for gourmet pizza toppings? Try Truffle Pizza! Truffle oil is earthy, it’s intoxicating, and it makes anything taste nuanced and intriguing. This pizza is all about channeling that vibe: savory mushrooms, gooey mozzarella cheese, drizzled with the oil that infuses the entire pie in luxury.
Looking to amp up your pizza night? This spicy pizza diavola is a fan favorite! Top the dough with tomato sauce, then add Kalamata olives, spicy peppers, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Avocado on pizza might sound counterintuitive, but they're perfection on this pie! Start with a base of pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, then add fresh bell peppers, red onion, dollops of fresh avocado, and dollops of goat cheese. After you bake, sprinkle with fresh basil. It's fresh and hearty all at once!
The Foundation: Sauce and Dough
Great pizza toppings start with a great sauce and dough. My 5-minute homemade pizza sauce has become a staple in my kitchen and readers around the globe. It’s just fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and salt blended together: no cooking required!
For the pizza dough itself, my very best pizza dough recipe is an outstanding traditional, chewy crust and well-reviewed by many readers. My thin crust dough is crispier and lighter. For pizza oven owners, my Ooni pizza dough recipe is formulated for the intense heat those ovens produce.
Pro Tips for Better Pizza Toppings
I’ve made enough pizzas to learn some lessons the hard way. Here’s what actually matters:
- Preheat your oven properly. I set mine to 500°F and let the pizza stone heat for at least 45 minutes.
- Don’t overload your pizza. This is the biggest beginner mistake! Too many toppings create a soggy pizza that won’t cook properly. Remember to go light on wet ingredients like fresh tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Use quality mozzarella. I’ve found that whole milk mozzarella melts significantly better than part-skim.
- Season your toppings. Before they go on the pizza, vegetables benefit from a light drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Equipment That Makes a Difference
After years of making pizza at home, I’ve learned that having the right equipment makes a huge difference in the final result.
- First up is a pizza stone. The high heat from a preheated stone creates that crispy, chewy crust that’s impossible to achieve on a regular baking sheet. I preheat mine for at least 45 minutes before baking. Here’s the pizza stone I use.
- A pizza peel is essential for safely transferring your topped pizza onto the hot stone. I dust mine with cornmeal or semolina flour to help the pizza slide off easily. If you don’t have a peel, a rimless baking sheet works as a temporary solution. But I like this conveyor pizza peel.
Alternative Bases: Not Just Traditional Crust
Not everyone has a pizza stone or wants to invest in one, and that’s completely fine! I’ve developed a few dough methods that work with other equipment.
- Cast iron pizza is my favorite alternative method. The hot cast iron pan makes for a crispy-on-the-outside crust, and you don’t need to worry about stretching the dough or transferring it. Just press the dough into the pan, add toppings, and bake.
- Sheet pan pizza is perfect for feeding a crowd or when you want a thicker crust. This makes the equivalent of 3 medium pizzas on a large sheet pan, and the method is very forgiving for beginners.
- I also have some fun cheater pizzas that use premade crust, like Naan Pizza, Pita Pizza, or Tortilla Pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
The classics consistently win: pepperoni, mozzarella, mushrooms, red onion, olives, and sausage. But Margherita pizza: just tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil — is probably the most beloved combination.
Some of my favorite pairings: mushrooms with goat cheese and thyme; shrimp with ricotta and garlic; prosciutto with arugula and Parmesan (added after baking); and roasted red peppers with feta and oregano.
Sauce first, then cheese, then toppings. Delicate items like fresh basil and arugula go on after baking.
Some, yes — bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeños do well raw. Others, like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms need a quick sauté first so they don’t release water onto the crust.
Lovely pizza toppings
Thanks
Do you drain the fire roasted tomatoes for the sauce
No
No you can’t does it say it in the recipe on how to make
Can I microwave the pizzas?
No
Hello?
Let us know if you have any questions!
I want to open a veg pizza shop.