Looking for some inspiration for your next pizza? Whether you’re craving familiar favorites like mozzarella and pepperoni or looking to change things up with wildcards like pineapple or sauerkraut, there’s something here for you. 

Get your ideas flowing with our list of over 50 of the best pizza toppings, from cheeses and meats to fruits and vegetables. With each topping, you'll also find the best pairings to help you apply them like a pro.

Table of contents:

• Cheeses

• Meats

• Veggies

• Unique pizza toppings

• How to choose the best pizza toppings

• Popular pizza topping combinations

Cheeses for pizza

Your choice of cheeses plays a defining role in your pizza’s overall flavor and texture. Different types of cheeses melt and mix in distinct ways — they can be creamy, gooey or crispy and take on a wide variety of flavor profiles. Explore your choices and find the right option to satisfy your taste buds, with everything from the comforting meltiness of mozzarella to the sophisticated richness of brie.

Parmesan 

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese originating from Italy. Often made with cow’s milk and aged for 12+ months, this cheese delivers a sharp, salty flavor. Grate it on top of your pizza or blend it with milder cheeses to infuse your pizza with bold, savory notes.

Pairs well with: Prosciutto, caramelized onions and bacon

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a staple on any pizza. It’s widely loved for its meltiness, mild flavor and milky-soft texture. If you’re unsure which cheese to choose, mozzarella provides a reliable and delicious foundation for almost any pizza style.

Pairs well with: Pepperoni, sausage and tomatoes

Goat cheese

Goat cheese is known for its distinctly tangy, somewhat tart flavor, which makes it an excellent balancer for sweet and savory extremes. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, scattered or dolloped on top of your pizza to create pockets of tangy flavor throughout. 

Pairs well with: Caramelized onions, zucchini and basil

Blue cheese

Thanks to its penicillium mold, blue cheese has a sharp, salty taste complete with a creamy finish. Its flavor can vary in intensity depending on the specific milk type, penicillium strain, animal diet and more. If you’re looking to add a creamy, bold flavor to your pizza, you can’t go wrong by crumbling or melting some blue cheese on top.

Pairs well with: Figs, mushrooms and buffalo chicken

Ricotta 

Ricotta cheese is a versatile pizza topping with a mild flavor. Applied in dollops or spread evenly, ricotta provides a subtle, milky sweetness with a creamy texture that serves as a great complement to more intense flavors.

Pairs well with: Parmesan, mozzarella and garlic

Brie

Originating from its namesake region in France, Brie is made with an edible penicillium exterior, similar to blue cheese. Brie is rich and buttery with earthy, nutty undertones. Its texture is generally very soft, but it can vary depending on the age and specific type of brie. It's often applied melted, either on top of or under your layer of toppings.

Pairs well with: Fig jam, apples and pecans

Gorgonzola

Commonly prepared as gorgonzola dolce (a soft and mild flavor with a creamy texture) or gorgonzola picante (a sharp and intense flavor with a crumbly texture), this cheese is a flavorful complement to your pizza base. Crumble it on top like blue cheese for a fun twist.

Pairs well with: Caramelized onions, hot honey and pears

Romano

Romano cheese shares Parmesan’s hard, crumbly texture but delivers an even sharper, saltier taste. It’s best enjoyed when grated generously over your pizza, blended with other cheese or sprinkled on the crust.

Pairs well with: Tomato sauce, garlic and anchovies

Feta

Originating from Greece, feta cheese is a staple on Mediterranean-style pizzas. This cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor to your pizza with a creamy crumble. It can be spread on the base, melted with other ingredients or sprinkled over the finished pizza.

Pairs well with: Spinach, olives and red onion

Fontina

Another Italian pizza topping, fontina cheese is made from cow’s milk, and is known for its mild flavor that intensifies with age into a buttery, nutty kick. Its mozzarella-like meltiness makes it a great option to infuse other toppings with a gooey, creamy texture.

Pairs well with: Italian sausage, arugula and prosciutto

Meats for pizza

The right meat topping can transform your pie, adding layers of savory depth and irresistible texture. Choose from options like the timeless spice of pepperoni, the smoky crunch of bacon or the soft meltiness of prosciutto, considering your preferences and how they complement other ingredients.

Pepperoni

Pepperoni on pizza just makes sense. Almost synonymous with pizza at this point, these spicy red rounds of cured pork and beef curl into crispy-edged cups as they bake, releasing flavorful oils that infuse the entire pie with a savory, zesty punch.

Pairs well with: Mozzarella, jalapeño and hot honey

Salami

Salami boasts incredible versatility as a pizza topping. It’s available in many different shapes, sizes, flavors and textures. From delicate, salty thin slices to spicy, punchy bites, salami can provide a wide variety of savory flavors throughout your pizza. When baked, salami tends to crisp and curl just like pepperoni.

Pairs well with: Crushed red peppers, arugula and feta

Bacon

Thinly cut slices of bacon are a great option to transform your pizza’s flavor and texture with an irresistible salty, smoky crunch. You might even get creative and add it to a cheesy breakfast pizza to satisfy those morning cravings.

Pairs with: Pineapple, garlic and spinach

Chicken 

Chicken serves as a canvas that can absorb any mix of sauces and seasonings, whether it's zesty buffalo, sweet and smoky barbecue or something entirely unique.

Pairs well with: Blue cheese, red onions and spinach

Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a special dry-cured and aged ham, known for its definitive salty sweet flavor profile and thin cut. This delicacy melts right in your mouth. You can drape it over your finished pie like a traditional topping like in this delectable prosciutto pizza recipe, or wrap it around other ingredients to enhance their texture and flavor.

Pairs well with: Arugula, goat cheese and fig jam

Chorizo

Chorizo is a type of pork sausage with two distinct styles: Mexican and Spanish. Mexican-style chorizo is characterized by its spicy flavor and crumbly texture, whereas Spanish-style chorizo lends a smokier, more savory profile. Sliced or crumbled, both varieties deliver concentrated blasts of rich, aromatic flavor to your pizza.

Pairs well with: Jalapeños, red onions and black olives

Italian sausage

This rich, hearty delicacy can be served sweet (seasoned with fennel or anise) or spicy (seasoned with red pepper flakes). Slice, dice or crumble it over your pizza for a juicy, meaty layer of flavor.

Pairs well with: Mushrooms, red onions and broccoli

Meatballs

Meatballs can be placed on the pizza whole for concentrated, juicy bites, or crumbled up and distributed across the pie. Either way, meatballs bring a hearty richness to any pizza, which you can customize to your liking with the right blend of spices and herbs.

Pairs well with: Parmesan, basil and crushed red peppers

Mortadella

Mortadella is a thick-cut Italian cured pork sausage. Unlike regular Italian sausage, mortadella is infused with small cubes of pork fat and/or pistachios, giving it a complex flavor profile that can yield savory, sweet and spicy notes all in one bite. Mortadella tends to curl and crisp when baked, taking on a naturally sweeter flavor that contrasts well with punchy cheeses.

Pairs well with: Parmesan, ricotta and truffle oil

Veggie toppings for pizza

Vegetarian pizza toppings like peppers, onions and herbs can add a lot to your pizza both on their own and with other toppings. From crisp red peppers to crunchy leafy greens, veggie pizza toppings help infuse your pizza with variety in every bite. 

Red onions and green onions

Onions are equally at home on pizza as they are on salad. Red onions, known for their appealing red-purple coloration, are pungent and spicy when served raw, but mellow out to a sweeter, tangier flavor taste when baked. 

Green onions, on the other hand, take on a more subtle sweet-peppery flavor for a soft, aromatic finish. Onions are best applied in thin slices that bake seamlessly into the cheese and infuse it with their flavors.

Pairs well with: Parmesan, tomatoes and bacon

Crushed red pepper flakes

Crushed red peppers, also known as pepper flakes, are typically made from a blend of dried and crushed chili peppers. These mixes typically include cayenne, jalapeño and serrano peppers, but the exact mix varies by brand and type. You can sprinkle them on your pizza before baking for a gentle, distributed heat, or right after it comes out of the oven for a bold, spicy punch.

Pairs well with: Pepperoni, sausage and garlic

Basil

Most commonly applied post-bake, basil is a fragrant herb known for its sweet, distinctly peppery flavor and fresh aroma. Basil can be sprinkled over your pizza for a dispersed flavor or added to your other toppings to enhance or change their flavor. Basil is especially common on traditional Italian pizzas, where it pairs well with tomatoes.

Pairs well with: Mozzarella, tomatoes and garlic

Caramelized onion

Caramelized onions are often described as rich and sweet with light savory undertones. Their sweetness comes from slow cooking, which breaks down their natural sugars. Caramelized onions are best when spread evenly across a pizza to add a sweet layer to the base, or applied in concentrated pockets to create bold bites throughout.

Pairs well with: Goat cheese, brie cheese and mushrooms

Tomatoes

The least controversial fruit to include on a pizza, tomatoes are the foundation of almost all pizza sauces. You can also slice and dice them up raw to add pockets of juicy, fresh flavor to complement your other toppings. Tomatoes are a versatile choice that can pair well with nearly any ingredient, especially the timeless classics.

Pairs well with: Mozzarella, basil and feta

Mushrooms

Another one of the more popular toppings, mushrooms have a distinctly savory, earthy flavor and can be applied to a pizza raw, sauteed or roasted. With a malleable texture, mushrooms also absorb the flavors that surround them. Herbs, spices and strong cheeses can infuse mushrooms to make them more flavorful.

Pairs well with: Italian sausage, garlic and fontina

Jalapeño 

Jalapeños are a go-to option for those who enjoy a bit of heat on their pizza. Green jalapeños have a milder, somewhat grassy flavor with a hint of heat. Red jalapeños are much spicier and deliver a definitive kick. A familiar spice on pizza, jalapeños complement sweet and savory notes alike.

Pairs well with: Pepperoni, chorizo and pineapple

Black olives

Black olives are cured, ripe vegetables with a unique savory flavor and a soft, often chewy texture. Olives are a staple on pizza, often going hand in hand with classics like pepperoni and mushrooms.

Pairs well with: Italian sausage, pepperoni and mozzarella

Garlic

Garlic is a type of allium known for its strong flavor and pungent aroma. You can add it to your pizza as an oil or a powder for a subtle, diffused hint, or sliced whole and layered on to create intense bursts of flavor. 

Pairs well with: Parmesan, basil and tomatoes

Banana peppers

Banana peppers are chili peppers known for their yellow-green hue and elongated shape, resembling a banana. They are crisp like jalapeños but significantly less hot. With a tamer, sweeter flavor, banana peppers deliver the signature peppery flavor without the hot sensation.

Pairs well with: Pepperoni, Parmesan and red onions

Arugula

Arugula is a leafy vegetable known for its subtly peppery, bitter taste. Commonly used as a base for all kinds of salads, arugula can also be added to your pizza after baking for a bit of freshness. It pairs very well with the creamy, milky sweetness of ricotta. This sheet-pan pizza recipe takes full advantage of this pairing to accompany a medley of other vegetables.

Pairs well with: Ricotta, jalapeños and black olives

Spinach

Another leafy green, spinach’s taste is generally described as mild and earthy. In its raw form, spinach has a crisp texture. When baked, the leaves soften and take on a more pliable texture. Spinach softens seamlessly into cheese, which can enhance the creamy texture of your base.

Pairs well with: Feta, mushrooms and Italian sausage

Unique pizza toppings

While unconventional, these toppings are still delicious. Whether you’re talking about the juicy sweetness of pineapple, the spicy crunch of kimchi or the salty kick of anchovies, these ingredients show that there’s really no wrong answer when it comes to choosing pizza toppings.

Anchovies

Anchovies are small saltwater fish. Often cured in salt or oil, they are known for their very intense flavor. They’re a great option to add bursts of flavor for those with a palate for the extremes. Soft and melty, they can infuse your cheese with a distinct salty-savory flavor.

Pairs well with: Black olives, garlic and crushed red peppers

Sardines

Not to be confused with anchovies, sardines are another small saltwater fish. Known for their uniquely oily, flaky texture, their flavor can vary heavily depending on how they’re packed and cured. Sardines are commonly seasoned with herbs and placed whole on a pizza, or distributed across the pie in flakes.

Pairs well with: Fennel, crushed red peppers and red onions

Artichoke hearts

Artichoke hearts take on a firm, often buttery texture with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor profile when baked. You can cut them into larger pieces and scatter them around your pizza for pockets of flavor, or chop and scatter them around for a distributed layer of savory goodness.

Pairs well with: Spinach, feta and black olives

Seaweed 

Seaweed brings a subtle but noticeable oceanic savoriness to your pizza. Its flavor and texture can vary greatly depending on the type of seaweed you select and how you prepare it. For a crispy, salty crunch, try nori. If you prefer a chewy, smoky finish, opt for raw dulse. There's a seaweed out there for everyone.

Pairs well with: Mushrooms, mozzarella and tomatoes

Cranberry

Known for their tart, bitter kick, cranberries can serve as a sophisticated complement to both the savory and sweet sides of your pizza. You can add them whole for bursts of tart flavor or scatter them over your pizza for a less aggressive but still noticeable taste.

Pairs well with: Brie, goat cheese and jalapeños

Pear

Pears provide a natural, juicy sweetness to your pizza. Their pliable texture and sweet flavor make them the perfect offset to the savory and dry elements of your pizza. Raw pears take on a milder flavor in a juicy form factor, while caramelized pears provide an intense sweetness in a creamy finish.

Pairs well with: Gorgonzola, prosciutto and bacon

Kimchi

A staple of Korean cuisine, kimchi is a general term for salted, fermented vegetables. Known for its spicy and acidic zing, kimchi provides a bold flavor in a crunchy package, making it a great option for those looking for unique ways to add some heat to their pizza. Add it raw to retain its satisfying crunch and strong flavor, or cook it to soften it up and diffuse its essence throughout your pie.

Pairs well with: Mozzarella, mushrooms and bacon

Eggplant

Eggplant is one of the most versatile toppings to include on a pizza. These distinctly shaped purple vegetables start out with a mild flavor and spongy texture when raw. However, when cooked, they turn creamy and pliable and tend to soak up all of the flavors around them. They pair well with a wide variety of ingredients, but toppings with a stronger taste typically complement their absorption property the best.

Pairs well with: Basil, parmesan and roasted red peppers

Zucchini

Zucchini brings a delicate, mild flavor and a tender texture. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy lighter, less aggressive vegetable toppings. Zucchini’s high water content makes it cook quickly, allowing it to soak up the flavors that surround it. For best results, use it in moderation so your pizza doesn’t become soggy or mushy.

Pairs well with: Garlic, goat cheese and pepper flakes

Cauliflower

Another versatile vegetable, cauliflower’s texture is crispy and crunchy when raw, but takes on a softer, almost creamy consistency when baked. Its standalone flavor is subtle, but its responsiveness to heat makes it highly absorbent of the flavors surrounding it. With the right mix of toppings and seasoning, cauliflower can add a satisfyingly filling texture to each bite. Cauliflower can even be used as a substitute for traditional crust, like in this vegan cauliflower pizza crust recipe.

Pairs well with: Garlic, pepper flakes and bacon

Shallots

Shallots are a type of onion with a milder, sweeter flavor than their counterparts. Caramelized shallots take on a creamy texture and defined, intense sweetness, while raw shallots are crunchier and retain a slight hint of savoriness. 

Pairs well with: Prosciutto, goat cheese and garlic

Pineapple

For many, pineapple on pizza is a beloved and timeless classic. Adding these juicy fruits to your pizza provides a sweet and tangy burst of flavor that balances savory meats and spicy peppers beautifully. Try scattering them around your pizza in chunks or rings.

Pairs well with: Ham, bacon and jalapeño

Apples

From sweet and juicy red Fuji apples to crisp and tart Granny Smiths, apples often pair well as a balancer to savory meats and strong cheeses. When baked, their hard outer layer softens, turning their inner flesh into a softer, creamier form. You can apply them to your pizza in slices or even applied as a sauce.

Pairs well with: Blue cheese, prosciutto and bacon

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage prized for its intensely tangy and acidic flavor, somewhat reminiscent of pickles. Sauerkraut’s signature tang makes it best applied in tandem with smoky meats and sweet fruits and vegetables. It’s a delicious option for those looking for healthy pizza toppings, as sauerkraut contains probiotics that support gut health.

Pairs well with: Bacon, apples and shallots

Butternut squash

Butternut squash has a rich taste similar to sweet potatoes. When baked, it takes on a looser consistency that can be lathered onto your pizza as a sauce or applied in thin slices for a creamy, sweet hint over each bite. 

Pairs well with: Goat cheese, caramelized onions and prosciutto

Broccoli 

These nutritious florets, carrying a subtle bittersweet flavor, are crunchy and crisp when raw. When cooked, broccoli becomes more tender, which allows it to absorb sauces, oils and spices. You can distribute it on your pizza in whole florets or diced up for tender, flavorful bites.

Pairs well with: Italian sausage, garlic and feta

Fennel 

Fennel is a crisp, crunchy vegetable with a slightly sweet flavor. Many people often liken the taste of fennel to licorice with honey-like undertones. It’s a classic ingredient that’s usually used to balance out savory and salty meats.

Pairs well with: Italian sausage, pepperoni and mozzarella

Kale/kale chips 

Kale is a chewy, leafy green vegetable with a naturally strong flavor. With an earthy, bitter, slightly peppery taste, kale can be prepared in a variety of ways. A common way to prepare kale is to bake the leaves into crunchy kale chips, which you can then scatter over your pizza for a toasted flavor with a defined crunch.

Pairs well with: Blue cheese, tomatoes and bacon

Truffle oil

Truffle oil is known for its complex, sophisticated flavor, defined by intensely earthy and slightly garlicky notes. It can be drizzled or brushed onto your pizza to distribute a layer of pungent aroma and flavor. Given its powerful flavor, it’s best applied in moderation.

Pairs well with: Mushrooms, fontina and spinach

Capers 

Capers are pickled flower buds. They have a juicy texture with a salty and acidic flavor. Fermentation mellows their natural bitterness, leaving a pleasant hint of it when heated. Simply scatter them on your pizza for punchy bites of saltiness.

Pairs well with: Anchovies, prosciutto and olives

Labneh 

Originating from the Middle East, labneh is commonly referred to as “yogurt cheese.” Its smooth, dense texture and rich, tangy taste make it a great option to spread on a pizza as a base for other toppings or dollop in spoonfuls for satisfying bites.

Pairs well with: Tomatoes, prosciutto and ricotta

Hot honey

A sweet and spicy medley, hot honey is made by infusing the syrupy sweetness of regular honey with the spicy kick of chili peppers. This creates a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that serves as a great complement to salty meats and sharper cheeses. Drizzle some hot honey on your pizza after baking for an incredibly unique flavor experience.

Pairs well with: Pepperoni, goat cheese and red onions

Fig jam

Fig jam is a spread made from cooking figs in sugar. It has a sweet, yet slightly tart flavor that serves as an enhancer to salty meats and sharp cheese. Its thick, sometimes chunky texture and mild flavor mean you can spread it generously for a distributed sweetness or apply in spoonfuls for bursts of flavor without compromising the pizza’s integrity.

Pairs well with: Goat cheese, prosciutto and arugula

Maple syrup

Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes, waffles and toast. This breakfast classic delivers a mouthwateringly sweet taste in a thick, liquid form that contrasts perfectly with salty, crunchy meats and spicy vegetables. 

Pairs well with: Bacon, prosciutto and jalapeños

How to choose the best pizza toppings

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best pizza toppings. What flavors and textures do you want? Do you want to keep it familiar or try something new? To answer these questions and build your perfect pizza, follow these tips:

• Start with the base layer: Choose a pizza sauce and a cheese mix.
• Remember layering: Keep dense toppings on the bottom and light toppings on top.
• Select your core toppings: Select one or two of your favorite toppings, like a meat or cheese. Note their flavor, texture and density.
• Choose the supporting ingredients: Select toppings that pair well with your core toppings. Complementary flavors like salty and sweet or smoky and savory bring a refined profile to your pizza.
• Consider finishing touches: Add a final flair with herbs, spices and other condiments.
• Avoid overloading: Too much of one or two ingredients can overwhelm your pizza’s flavor profile and texture. When in doubt, keep it simple.

Ultimately, the best pizza toppings depend on personal preference. Don’t be afraid to play around with new flavors and textures to find your perfect combo.

Popular pizza topping combinations

Cast iron pizza

Key ingredients: Basil, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, mushrooms and bell peppers

This cast-iron pizza is a colorful and delicious vegetarian pie. With a balanced mix of salty, sweet, savory and earthy flavors, each bite brings something new. The simple ingredients, visual appeal and variety of texture and flavor make this pizza something everyone around the table can enjoy.

Neapolitan pizza

Key ingredients: Tomatoes, basil leaves and olive oil

This pizza brings an authentic taste of coastal Italy right to your home. The timeless pairing of basil and tomatoes brings a mix of sweetness and acidity that treats your taste buds to a delicious experience with every bite. Together with creamy mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil, these simple toppings bring out the best in each other. Neapolitan pizza is always a great choice for those who appreciate the classics.

Low-carb pizza

Key ingredients: Almond flour crust, pepperoni, basil, bell peppers, black olives and red onions

Being health-conscious doesn’t always come at the cost of indulgence! This low-carb pizza is a well-rounded blast of flavor. Pepperoni's spicy, smoky flavor complements the salty-sweet notes of olives and onions, and it’s all brought together with a final touch of fresh, aromatic basil.

Gluten-free pizza

Key ingredients: Gluten-free flour, red onions, black olives, mushrooms and bell peppers

You won’t even notice that this pizza is gluten-free. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is a classic, nutritious combination of ingredients laid over a base of melty mozzarella and a gluten-free crust.

Chicken bacon ranch pizza

Key ingredients: Chicken, bacon, ranch, bell peppers and onions

This recipe features juicy chicken, crispy bacon and tangy, creamy ranch, complemented by onions and peppers for a spicy-sweet undertone. This will be a fan favorite at your party or family dinner.

BBQ smoked chicken pizza with caramelized onions

Key ingredients: Barbecue sauce, chicken, red onions and garlic

Barbecue-smoked chicken and sweet caramelized onions make this pizza a perfect combination of sweet and smoky. A creamy, tangy layer of barbecue sauce pulls the ingredients together with an unmistakably Texas-style finish.

Buffalo chicken pizza

Key ingredients: Buffalo sauce, chicken, blue cheese, red onions and cilantro

Want the spicy zing of buffalo wings in the convenience of a pizza slice? Simply add chicken and buffalo sauce to your pizza! Top it off with a layer of creamy blue cheese and enjoy.

Create your perfect pizza with toppings from Instacart

From timeless classics like mozzarella and pepperoni to unique wildcards like hot honey and cauliflower, these pizza toppings can help you level up your game for your next pizza party. 

But planning the perfect pie can take a lot of time. Save yourself some hassle by ordering all of the toppings you might need through Instacart. All you need to do is place the order and wait for the groceries to be delivered to your door.