Bucket-List Pizza Toppings Everyone Deserves To Try Once
Pizza lovers unite! While cheese and pepperoni might be your go-to choices, there’s a whole universe of unexpected toppings waiting to transform your pizza experience.
These unconventional combinations might raise eyebrows at first, but they’ll send your taste buds on an adventure they won’t soon forget. Ready to break out of your pizza comfort zone?
1. Honey And Hot Peppers
Sweet meets heat in this mind-blowing flavor marriage! The golden honey drizzle caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a sticky-sweet base that perfectly balances the fiery kick of fresh jalapeños or chili flakes.
Centuries ago, Italian nonnas discovered this contrast of flavors could make even simple doughs sing with complexity. Your pizza game will never be the same after trying this sweet-spicy duo!
2. Fig And Prosciutto
Fancy yourself a culinary explorer? This Mediterranean masterpiece combines paper-thin slices of salty prosciutto with sweet, jammy figs that burst with flavor when baked.
Throw some arugula on top after baking for a peppery finish that cuts through the richness. The Italians have paired these ingredients for centuries, but putting them on pizza? Pure genius that’ll make your taste buds dance!
3. Mashed Potato And Bacon
Carbs on carbs? Absolutely!
With crispy bacon pieces and chives on top, this comfort food mashup consists of creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes that are spread out like a rich blanket over your pizza crust. Where have you spent your entire life? This pie, which is essentially a loaded baked potato in pizza style, is surprisingly light and fulfilling thanks to the Irish-Italian mix. When you take your first mouthful, your mind is blown!
4. Peking Duck
Why choose between Chinese takeout and pizza night? This fusion masterpiece features shredded Peking duck with its characteristic crispy skin, hoisin sauce instead of marinara, and thin cucumber strips for freshness. Green onions add that perfect bite!
Chinese food enthusiasts might raise eyebrows, but one taste of this East-meets-West creation will convert even the staunchest traditionalists. Takeout will never look the same again!
5. Coconut Curry Chicken
Thai food fanatics, listen up! Replace traditional tomato sauce with a velvety coconut curry base, then add tender chunks of curry-marinated chicken, bell peppers, and red onions.
Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime after baking for that authentic Southeast Asian zing. The aromatic spices will transform your kitchen into a Bangkok street food paradise! Guaranteed to wow dinner guests with minimal effort.
6. Grilled Peaches And Gorgonzola
Summer vibes on a pizza?
Yes please! Caramelized grilled peach slices bring smoky sweetness that dances perfectly with tangy, melty gorgonzola crumbles. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds that perfect acid balance to cut through the richness.
Georgia peach enthusiasts might call it sacrilege, but this unexpected combo creates a symphony of flavors that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about pizza!
7. Clam And Garlic
Seafood on pizza? Absolutely shellfish-tastic! This New Haven specialty features freshly shucked clams, obscene amounts of garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of parsley.
No red sauce needed! The briny ocean flavor of the clams melds with the punchy garlic for a taste that’s surprisingly elegant. Coastal Italian grandmothers have sworn by this combo for generations, and after one bite, you’ll understand why!
8. Butternut Squash And Sage
Fall flavors unite! Thinly sliced butternut squash roasts to caramelized perfection atop a pizza, while crispy fried sage leaves add earthy complexity and textural contrast.
Brown butter sauce instead of tomato? Game-changer! Harvest time never tasted so good. This autumnal masterpiece might sound like something from a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly doable at home with seasonal ingredients that’ll impress even your foodie friends.
9. Kimchi And Bulgogi
Korean BBQ night meets pizza party! Spicy, fermented kimchi brings tangy crunch while tender bulgogi beef adds savory depth that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance. Gochujang-spiked sauce replaces traditional marinara for an extra kick.
K-pop fans and pizza lovers unite! This fusion creation bridges continents with flavors so bold and harmonious, you’ll wonder why this isn’t on every menu from Seoul to Sicily.
10. Dark Chocolate And Sea Salt
Dessert pizza skeptics, prepare to be converted! Thin shavings of high-quality dark chocolate melt into puddles of bittersweet decadence, while flaky sea salt crystals provide the perfect flavor-enhancing crunch.
Just the right amount of sweetness is added without being overpowering by a thin coating of powdered sugar. Chocolate enthusiasts may refer to this as nirvana on a crust! At your next pizza night, everyone will be vying for the last piece thanks to this elegant yet understated finale.