When it comes to customizing your homemade pizzas, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you’re a traditionalist who sticks to classic pepperoni or a thrill-seeker looking for bold new flavors, the art of pizza topping is all about experimentation and discovery.
From savory combinations like Chicken Broccoli to sweet and unexpected pairings like Baked Potato Pizza, the key is finding the perfect balance of flavors that make your taste buds dance.
And if you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, don’t worry – we’ve got a treasure trove of pizza topping ideas to help spark your creativity.
So why not treat your next homemade pizza night like a blank canvas, waiting for your masterpiece? With the right combination of ingredients and a willingness to take risks, you can create a truly one-of-a-kind pie that will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive in and explore some exciting topping options together!
Mini Cauliflower Breakfast Pizzas With Spicy Honey
While pizza is often associated with dinner or late-night snacks, there’s no rule that says you can’t enjoy it for breakfast. In fact, combining classic breakfast elements with a traditional pizza crust or cauliflower crust can create a delicious and unique morning meal. The key toppings in this recipe include sunny-side-up eggs, homemade spicy garlic honey, and simple mozzarella cheese. To add some extra flavor and texture, four eggs and 20 fresh basil leaves are also included.
Surprisingly, the spicy garlic honey pairs well with the eggs and mozzarella, making for a tasty breakfast combination that might just become a new family favorite. Who knows, it could even provide a legitimate reason to skip the morning rush and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at home.
Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto Pizza With Caramelized Onions
While pineapple is a classic topping choice, why not try something new and exciting? The sweetness of caramelized onions paired with the creamy texture of roasted butternut squash makes for a delicious and seasonal pizza combination. To take it to the next level, add in some roasted onions that have been infused with the flavors of apple cider – it’s like a taste of fall on a plate!
This pizza is perfect for a family night after trick-or-treating or a fun afternoon spent apple picking at a local orchard.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pizza
We were blown away when we stumbled upon the idea of transforming a timeless dip recipe into a pizza topping. It’s a game-changer – think of pizza dough as a giant crispy cracker, and the possibilities are endless! Of course, spinach and artichoke dip is the gold standard of appetizers, making it only natural to start there. This recipe takes a cue from the classic by using whipped cream cheese (or its goat cheese counterpart) and sour cream as the foundation, rather than traditional red sauce.
A dash of onion powder and garlic powder adds a burst of flavor, elevating this pizza topping to new heights. You’ll swear you’re sinking your teeth into a big, hot slice of spinach and artichoke dip with every bite.
Chicken & Broccoli Pizza
What’s next in our creative culinary journey? A pizza spin on a classic dish, of course! We’re not complaining about this trend, as it brings endless opportunities for innovation. To take it to the next level, we’ve incorporated juicy chicken into the mix, infusing the dish with extra flavor, protein, and comfort. This recipe is perfect for newcomers to the world of pizza-making, and its versatility allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Simply spread a layer of marinara sauce over an unbaked crust, followed by cooked broccoli, succulent chicken, and melted cheese. Feel free to add a pinch of personality with different herbs and spices or swap out the cheese for a unique twist. This adaptable dish is an excellent choice if you’re seeking to boost your daily veggie and protein intake – it’s a win-win!
Taco Pizza
In a bold fusion of flavors and textures, we’re merging traditional recipes with pizza crusts to create something truly innovative. The best part? You don’t have to choose between two favorite foods – you can have the best of both worlds! Simply top your regular pizza crust with your go-to sauce, then add an assortment of ingredients like lettuce, cheese, tomato, and crunchy tortilla chip bits. For a creamy twist, consider adding sour cream once the pizza has cooled.
Cheeseburger Pizza
The notion of combining burger toppings on a pizza seems like a no-brainer in hindsight. The idea for this Cheeseburger Pizza was born from the desire to merge the classic flavors of a diner burger into one cohesive pie. With the flexibility to follow the recipe to the letter or experiment with different sauces and cheeses, the possibilities are endless.
To give it an added health boost, crispy bacon can be incorporated along with an array of colorful vegetables, making this pizza a guilt-free indulgence.
Beef & Asparagus Pizza With Horseradish Cream
Experience the elevated world of pizza with this innovative combination. By tossing roast beef and vegetables in a rich horseradish cream, you’ll create a dish that transcends the typical ‘grab and go’ affair. This pizza is designed to be savored, much like a full meal. While it may require a bit more effort to caramelize the roasted veggies, the payoff is well worth the time and energy invested. Savor every bite of this culinary masterpiece.
Bacon Dill Pickle Pizza
Get ready to indulge in a flavorful treat that will satisfy your cravings! This Bacon Dill Pickle Pizza is a game-changer, combining the perfect balance of fresh dill, tangy dill pickles, and crispy bacon. The union of these ingredients creates a truly unique pizza experience that will leave you wanting more. If you’re as excited about this combination as we are, give it a try and discover why it’s become a fan favorite!
Ultimate Veggie Pizza
When crafting a veggie pizza inspired by Italy’s classic vegetarian pizzas, consider building upon a foundation of fresh vegetables. Tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini are all essential components, while olive oil plays a crucial role in infusing the dish with its signature Italian flair.
To take your pizza to the next level, try roasting the vegetables for 20 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the pie.
This simple step will not only soften the veggies but also deepen their flavor profile, resulting in a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Caramelized Apples, Onions, & Goat Cheese Pizza
At first glance, pairing caramelized apples and onions with a creamy pizza may seem unconventional, yet the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and rich flavors proves surprisingly effective. The key is to roast the onions on the stovetop while simultaneously cooking the apples in the oven, allowing each component to reach its optimal level of flavor development.
To take it to the next level, a light drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness, resulting in a complex sensory experience that combines crisp textures and savory notes with sweet and creamy undertones.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza
When it comes to repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers, we all have our go-to methods. But let’s be real – transforming sweet potatoes, cranberries, and turkey into a unique pizza combination is pure genius! This recipe serves as a solid foundation, but feel free to get experimental with your favorite leftover ingredients. The possibilities are endless when it comes to layering them on, making for a far more exciting alternative to the traditional turkey sandwich that often follows the holiday.
And if you’re not in the midst of Thanksgiving celebrations, this pizza offers an excellent solution for indulging in those flavors without having to prepare a full-scale feast.
Strawberry Balsamic Pizza
Envision a pizza that defies conventional wisdom, where the sweetness of strawberry jam meets the freshness of sliced strawberries, the smokiness of applewood bacon, and the tenderness of chicken. This unorthodox combination creates a symphony of flavors that’s both sweet and savory, light and refreshing. It’s an ideal choice for a summer dinner party or a unique meal to serve your loved ones.
Beer-Battered Fried Calamari Pizza
While seafood is not typically a staple on most popular pizza topping lists, beer-battered calamari takes center stage in this recipe. The addition of lemon zest, Greek yogurt, and hot sauce creates a harmonious medley of flavors that elevates the calamari to new heights. This appetizer-turned-pizza is another unexpected winner that we think will please even the most discerning palates.
Sausage, Apple, & Thyme Breakfast Pizza
Kickstart your morning with a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare. By incorporating sautéed apples and caramelized onions into your pizza, you’ll add a sweet and savory element that will elevate the dish. To take it to the next level, consider adding some protein-rich scrambled eggs and thinly sliced sausage. The combination of flavors and textures will be enhanced by a sprinkle of fresh thyme, setting you up for a fun and satisfying start to the day.
Baked Potato Pizza
When it comes to pairing the perfect topping with a pie like butternut squash pizza, baked potato wedges are an unbeatable combination. The soft, savory texture of these bite-sized morsels brings a delightful contrast to the crispy, cheesy crust. But what really makes them shine is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that comes together when you combine garlic powder, crumbled bacon, green onions, and a medley of cheeses.
This winning combination is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a big game, sleepover, or just a fun Friday night with friends. And for those looking to mix things up, substituting ranch dressing for sour cream adds a tangy twist that’s both healthier and more exciting.
Shrimp & Garlic Pizza
For those who adore the flavors of scampi, this pizza adaptation is sure to delight. What sets it apart from traditional pizzas is the substitution of feta cheese for mozzarella. If you’re not a fan of feta, you can easily swap it out for another crumbly cheese like cottage cheese or goat cheese. Alternatively, if you prefer a more classic pizza taste, regular cheese will also do just fine.
A generous sprinkling of red pepper flakes brings a bold kick to each slice, while a squeeze of lemon juice adds a welcome burst of brightness and acidity.
Tomato & Pesto Pizza
The harmonious pairing of tomato and basil is well-documented, with classic examples like Margherita Pizza showcasing their compatibility. It’s no surprise then that a pesto-basil combination would complement tomatoes so effectively in this pizza recipe. The addition of pine nuts provides a satisfying crunch, while the duo of cheeses elevates the dish’s richness.
You can opt for your preferred pizza sauce or follow the recipe’s suggestion and use a store-bought marinara sauce to bring everything together.
Peach, Corn, & Jalapeno Pizza With Honey
While the idea of combining fruit, corn, and chiles with honey on a pizza may seem unconventional at first, it’s an unexpected yet harmonious union that’s worth exploring. The sweetness from the honey perfectly balances out the spiciness from the chiles, while the freshness of the other ingredients adds depth to each bite. When paired with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, this unique pie takes on a life of its own.
Italian Salad Pizza
Imagine enjoying not one, but two delicious meals in one – the ultimate culinary convenience! This innovative pizza recipe seamlessly blends the classic Italian salad with the savory goodness of pizza. The crispy pizza crust assumes the role of croutons, providing a satisfying base for your fresh greens and favorite toppings.
While iceberg lettuce is used here, feel free to mix things up by combining arugula, romaine, or other leafy varieties – after all, personal preference is key in creating the perfect salad experience.
Eggplant Parmigiana Pizza
Eggplant parmigiana is a beloved Italian dish that defies conventional expectations by swapping pasta for its more traditional lasagna counterpart. Despite being an unconventional pizza topping, the combination of tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy pancetta provides a solid foundation for a delicious pie. The addition of eggplant adds a satisfying textural element, complementing the creamy cheese and savory meat with its tender, slightly crunchy flesh.
Chicken Shawarma Pizza
For those who can’t choose between the flavors of shawarma and pizza, this recipe is a game-changer. By marrying Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, you’ll get a deep-dish pizza that caters to two distinct cravings. The recipe itself only calls for diced chicken, which can be leftover rotisserie chicken or roasted and cubed breasts. But why not take it up a notch by making your own shawarma-style chicken?
Simply marinate chicken breasts or thigh filets in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic, ginger, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne, and turmeric, along with salt and pepper. Grill or roast the chicken to perfection, then cube it for use in this shawarma-inspired pizza.
Mexican Pizza With Salsa Verde & Chorizo
Elevate your pizza game by incorporating the bold flavors of Mexico into your grilling experience. This recipe masterfully combines smoky, spicy, and fresh notes through a symphony of ingredients. The harmonious union of Mexican cheeses, chilies, chorizo, and salsa verde creates a rich tapestry of flavors on top of the pie.
Meanwhile, the judicious addition of cilantro and green onions amplifies the freshness, while the duo of tomatoes provides the necessary balance with their tangy and sweet undertones.
Spaghetti & Meatball Pizza
When considering the concept of carbo-loading, a clever solution emerges – turning spaghetti and meatballs into a pizza. The process is straightforward: start with a ready-made pizza dough, top it with your favorite spaghetti and meatballs recipe, generously sprinkle cheese, and then bake to perfection. Alternatively, you can opt for a more elevated approach by incorporating a garlic herb oil that adds an aromatic depth to the dish.
Lobster & Spinach Pizza
Indulge in the opulence of this lobster and spinach pizza, a dish that shines bright when utilizing leftover lobster. This delectable creation is a masterclass in balance, as the rich flavors of the buttery and sweet seafood are beautifully complemented by the creamy Gouda, melted mozzarella, and vibrant spinach. A true showstopper for any gathering, this decadent pie is sure to impress with its harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Taking it up a notch, let’s transform the beloved Philly cheesesteak into a pizza. This endeavor becomes more feasible since we’re already working with a doughy base, courtesy of popular sandwiches like this one being easily adapted into pie form. To recreate this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need thinly sliced beef that can cook through in harmony with the other ingredients when baked to perfection.
Tandoori Chicken Pizza
When craving both Indian and Italian cuisine, why not create a fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds? One solution is to craft a unique pie that harmoniously blends the flavors of India and Italy. This recipe allows for the use of leftover tandoori chicken or the preparation of fresh tandoori chicken specifically for this dish – the choice is yours. The addition of mango chutney lends a surprising sweetness, which surprisingly complements the spices in the chicken.
By bringing these two cuisines together, you’ll create a truly innovative and delectable culinary experience.
Banh Mi Pizza
Imagine a culinary journey from India to Vietnam, where East meets West in the most delicious way. Take your taste buds on an adventure as we transform the iconic Vietnamese banh mi into a unique pizza. Ditch the traditional tomato sauce and opt for a spicy kick with sriracha mayonnaise instead. This fusion masterpiece is topped with the classic banh mi ingredients, including tangy pickled vegetables and tender shredded pork made from scratch.
The star of this show is the mouthwatering Vietnamese-style pork, boasting an irresistible blend of savory, sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors that will leave you craving more.
Banana & Ham Pizza
For those who recoil at the thought of pineapple on pizza, the idea of banana as a topping may be even more jarring. However, this unconventional combination is precisely what sets apart this unique pie from its traditional Hawaiian-style counterparts. The sweetness of the bananas surprisingly harmonizes with the saltiness of ham, creating an unexpected yet intriguing flavor profile.
If you’re considering whipping up a Hawaiian-inspired pizza but pineapples are MIA from your fridge, consider substituting them with bananas instead. You might just find yourself surprised by the delightful combination!
Bulgogi & Kimchi Pizza
As the popularity of Korean cuisine continues to soar in the US, it was only a matter of time before a creative fusion emerged – the marriage of Korean flavors with the classic American pizza. And what better combination than pairing Kimchi and Bulgogi, two beloved Korean staples? This recipe serves as a guide on how to craft bulgogi from scratch, though using store-bought bulgogi is also an option for those seeking a quicker route.
Pizza With Mussels
Imagine sinking your teeth into a pizza that boldly goes beyond the usual toppings. This innovative creation features fresh mussels, complete with their shells, baked right on top, infusing the pie with a salty, oceanic essence that’s an adventure in itself. For those who prefer just the mussel meat, simply precook them, remove the flesh from the shells, and place it on your dough.
To maintain the briny flavor, don’t forget to drizzle some of the mussel juice from the shells onto the pizza before baking.
Lamb Pizza
Why stop at the usual suspects like beef, pork, or chicken on pizza? It’s time to think outside the box (or crust) and give lamb a try! This innovative pie combines Greek flavors with its rich taste, courtesy of olives, feta, and roasted tomatoes. The result is a dish that’s perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner party, paired with a refreshing Greek salad, sautéed asparagus, and a bowl of citrusy lemon chicken soup.
And if you want to take it up a notch, swap the traditional pizza dough for pita bread – the ultimate Greek twist on this classic pie!
Charred Corn & Avocado Pizza
While corn and avocado on pizza may not be an immediately appealing combination, the incorporation of poblano peppers and cotija cheese elevates the dish to new heights. The harmony of spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory notes creates a culinary experience that will linger long after the meal is finished. The addition of a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of hot sauce further amplifies the flavor profile, resulting in a pizza that is truly unforgettable.
Hoisin Duck Pizza
Imagine combining the humble pizza crust with succulent duck breasts, a drizzle of hoisin sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella for a unique culinary experience. This innovative pizza creation is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, requiring only a few essential ingredients and customizable toppings. What’s more, the hoisin sauce cleverly replaces traditional tomato sauce, imparting an Asian-inspired twist.
The melted mozzarella not only holds the chunks of duck in place but also infuses the dish with a rich cheesiness, elevating this pizza to new heights.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Pizza
While corned beef and cabbage is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, there’s no reason why it can’t be enjoyed at any time of the year. In fact, transforming this classic combination into a pizza is an excellent way to give your taste buds a treat. The best part? You can easily repurpose leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick’s Day feast for a delicious breakfast the following day.
Simply top each slice with a sunny-side up egg and you’ll have a satisfying meal that will keep you going until lunchtime.
Peanut Butter & S’mores Pizza
What’s more delightful than ending this list on a sweet note? A dessert pizza that brings smiles to everyone’s faces! This indulgent treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a scrumptious way to cap off dinner. Plus, you can easily turn it into a fun family activity or surprise the kids with it over the weekend. Let them help you make it and create cherished memories while savoring every bite.
The bottom line
Pizza’s universal appeal is undeniable, and its versatility is what makes it a beloved favorite. The beauty of pizza lies in its ability to be customized to suit individual tastes, with countless combinations of ingredients and toppings available. While there may be differing opinions on the best way to enjoy this culinary delight, the end result is always a delicious and satisfying meal.
When it comes to leftovers, rather than letting them go to waste, we can get creative with reheating techniques that bring out the perfect flavor and texture. The fun doesn’t stop at experimenting with different toppings; it’s also about finding innovative ways to repurpose leftover pizza. So, what are your go-to pizza toppings? Do you have a favorite combination or like to mix things up with new and exciting flavors?
If so, we’re here to inspire and provide ideas to take your pizza game to the next level.