22 Best Pizza Toppings You Need To Try

Pizza is a canvas, and toppings are the vibrant colors that transform it into a masterpiece. With endless possibilities, the right toppings can elevate your pizza game to extraordinary levels. Here’s a definitive list of 22 toppings that promise to ignite your taste buds and redefine your pizza experience.

1. Pepperoni

The reigning champion of pizza toppings, pepperoni is beloved for its rich, spicy flavor and crispy edges. Each slice curls up into a little cup of joy, adding texture and a salty bite that enhances every bite of your pizza.

Pepperoni’s appeal is universal, making it a staple on pizza menus across the globe. The vibrant red hue and zesty taste create a perfect balance with the creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, pepperoni is the quintessential topping that never fails to deliver satisfaction.

2. Italian Sausage

Italian sausage offers a robust flavor that’s both savory and satisfying. With a hint of fennel and a touch of spice, it transforms any pizza into a hearty meal.

This topping brings a meaty texture that perfectly complements the softness of melted cheese. Its bold taste is ideal for those who crave a more substantial bite.

Pair it with fresh herbs or vegetables to create a balanced flavor profile, and enjoy a pizza topping that doubles as a protein-packed delight.

3. Mushrooms

Earthy and aromatic, mushrooms add a depth of flavor that resonates with every bite. Roasting them before adding to the pizza enhances their natural juiciness and intensifies their umami flavor.

Mushrooms can transform a simple pizza into a gourmet delight with their unique, nuanced taste. Whether paired with meats or vegetables, they always add a dimension of luxury.

Their versatility and rich texture make them a favorite among vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese.

4. Caramelized Onions

Sweet and soft, caramelized onions are like the secret weapon of pizza toppings. Their sugary richness adds a complex layer to the flavor profile.

Cooking onions slowly allows their natural sugars to caramelize, creating a jammy texture that blends beautifully with cheese and savory toppings. The result is a topping that’s both understated and transformative.

Perfect for those who appreciate a subtle sweetness, caramelized onions can elevate your pizza to new heights of deliciousness.

5. Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is the mellowed-out cousin of raw garlic, bringing a sweet, nutty flavor to your pizza. When roasted, its pungency softens, allowing a more delicate taste to emerge.

This topping melts into the cheese, infusing every bite with a savory warmth that’s downright addictive. Whether sprinkled liberally or used sparingly, roasted garlic adds an elegant touch.

For those who love garlic but shy away from its intensity, roasting is the way to go to enjoy its delightful flavor without overwhelming your palate.

6. Fresh Basil

Fresh basil is the epitome of simplicity, adding a burst of color and freshness to any pizza. Its aromatic, slightly peppery taste enhances the overall flavor profile.

A few leaves can transform a basic pizza into something special, bringing a hint of the garden to each slice. The bright green leaves are not only visually appealing but also add a refreshing quality that balances richer toppings.

Ideal for those who love fresh flavors, basil is a must-have ingredient that brings any pizza to life.

7. Extra Cheese

Sometimes, more is more, and when it comes to cheese, that certainly rings true. Extra cheese turns a regular pizza into a cheesy delight.

The gooey, melty texture and rich flavor of additional cheese can satisfy even the most intense cravings. It’s a simple addition but one that amplifies comfort and indulgence.

Perfect for cheese lovers, this topping ensures every mouthful is creamy, decadent, and utterly satisfying. Sometimes, you just need that extra layer to make things perfect.

8. Hot Honey

Hot honey is the sweet-heat topping you never knew you needed. A drizzle over a slice offers a unique contrast, merging spicy and sweet.

The honey enhances salty toppings like pepperoni, creating a flavor combination that’s surprisingly addictive. Its sticky sweetness mingles with the savory elements, creating a symphony of taste.

Perfect for those who love a bit of a kick, hot honey adds an unexpected twist that will leave you craving more. It’s a topping that promises to surprise and delight.

9. Jalapeños

For those who love a bit of heat, jalapeños are the perfect addition to spice up your pizza. Their fiery kick awakens the taste buds and adds a new dimension to each bite.

Whether fresh or pickled, jalapeños bring vibrant color and a zesty punch. They pair well with cheese and meats, offering a lively contrast.

This topping is ideal for adventurous eaters who crave bold flavors. The sharp heat of jalapeños ensures every slice is exciting and stimulating.

10. Banana Peppers

Tangy and slightly sweet, banana peppers add a burst of zest to any pizza. Their mild heat and crunchy texture make them a delightful addition.

These peppers are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of tanginess without overwhelming spice. Their bright yellow color adds visual appeal, making your pizza look as good as it tastes.

Banana peppers are versatile, complementing both meat and vegetarian pizzas, and offering a refreshing twist to traditional flavors.

11. Black Olives

Salty and savory, black olives add a rich, briny flavor to your pizza that’s hard to resist. Their dark color and unique taste make them a standout topping.

These little gems bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your pizza, blending well with a variety of other toppings. Whether paired with meats or vegetables, black olives add depth and character.

For those who enjoy bold flavors in small bites, black olives are a perfect choice, elevating your pizza with their distinct taste.

12. Green Olives

Green olives offer a sharper, more pronounced flavor than their black counterparts. Their bright, salty profile adds a vibrant pop to your pizza.

These olives are perfect for those who appreciate a tonic, briny taste that cuts through rich cheese. Their light green color also adds a visual freshness.

Ideal for anyone seeking a punchier topping, green olives bring an exciting, savory element that complements various ingredients.

13. Pineapple

A controversial topping, pineapple divides opinions but wins hearts with its sweet and juicy flavor. When paired with salty ingredients, it creates a delightful contrast.

This tropical fruit brings a refreshing sweetness to your pizza and a vibrant look with its golden hue. Its juicy texture adds a lively twist.

Perfect with ham or pepperoni, pineapple offers a play of sweet and savory, making it a choice for those who enjoy culinary surprises.

14. Ham

Ham adds a classic, slightly sweet flavor to your pizza, making it a versatile topping that blends well with various ingredients.

Its tender texture and mild taste make it a great balance for spicy or salty toppings, adding a layer of complexity without overpowering.

Whether paired with pineapple or other meats, ham enhances your pizza with its subtle sweetness and rich flavor, making every bite a comforting experience.

15. Bacon

Smoky and crunchy, bacon is the ultimate indulgent topping for pizza lovers. Its crisp texture and savory flavor enhance everything from cheese to veggies.

Bacon’s rich, smoky notes add a layer of luxury to your pizza, making each bite a treat. Its presence is undeniable, and it never fails to elevate the overall taste.

For those who love a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor, bacon is the topping that turns a simple pizza into a gourmet delight.

16. Prosciutto

Prosciutto is an elegant addition, adding a touch of class to your pizza. Its salty, delicate flavor makes it a favorite among gourmet enthusiasts.

This Italian cured ham is best added after baking, preserving its silky texture. It gently blends with the cheese, offering a sophisticated taste.

Prosciutto is perfect for those who appreciate subtlety and refinement, delivering a unique flavor that’s both luxurious and approachable.

17. Anchovies

Anchovies are a divisive topping, loved by some for their intense, salty flavor. These small fish pack a punch, offering a concentrated taste that’s truly unique.

Their boldness can be an acquired taste, but for those who enjoy it, anchovies are pure perfection. They add a deep savory element that enhances other ingredients.

Ideal for adventurous eaters, anchovies provide a distinctive flavor that’s both intriguing and captivating, elevating your pizza to a new level.

18. Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated burst of sweetness and tanginess, adding depth to your pizza. Their chewy texture contrasts nicely with soft cheese.

These tomatoes capture the essence of ripe summer flavors, infusing every bite with a robust tomato profile. They’re a great way to add complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.

Perfect for those who appreciate rich, intense flavors, sun-dried tomatoes transform your pizza into a flavorful feast that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

19. Artichoke Hearts

Tender and slightly tangy, artichoke hearts are a gourmet addition to any pizza. Their unique flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy cheese.

These hearts add a delicate texture and a subtle zest, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients. Their mild taste makes them versatile for various flavor combinations.

Ideal for those seeking something unconventional yet delightful, artichoke hearts bring an elegant touch that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

20. Spinach

Spinach adds a vibrant, earthy flavor to your pizza, creating a balance that’s both healthy and delicious. It complements rich cheese and meats beautifully.

When cooked properly, spinach retains its green color and slightly crisp texture, offering a fresh contrast. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a nutritious twist.

This leafy green elevates your pizza by bringing a hint of garden-fresh goodness, making it a wholesome and tasty choice for any meal.

21. Ricotta

Ricotta introduces creamy pockets of richness, transforming your pizza into a luxurious experience. Its mild flavor enhances rather than competes with other toppings.

This fresh cheese adds a delicate, fluffy texture, making each bite feel indulgent and special. It pairs beautifully with everything from vegetables to meats.

Perfect for those who crave creamy goodness, ricotta elevates your pizza with its gentle charm, turning a simple meal into a feast of flavors.

22. Truffle Oil

Truffle oil is the finishing touch that takes your pizza from ordinary to extraordinary. A few drops impart an earthy, luxurious aroma that captivates the senses.

This fragrant oil should be used sparingly, as its potent flavor can overwhelm. But when balanced, it adds an elegance that’s unmatched.

For those who appreciate a touch of sophistication, truffle oil is the perfect way to enhance the depth and complexity of your pizza, creating an unforgettable dining experience.