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I think we can all agree that Pizza is a universally loved foods of all time, and the beauty of it lies in its simplicity and versatility.
With a ton of great toppings to choose from, you can make a pizza that caters to almost every palate.
This is slightly off-topic, but researching this post, I came across this one episode of Freaky Eaters where this guy eats ONLY pizza.
It reminds me of how even the pickiest of eaters will find comfort in a nice cheesy slice of pizza, in my opinion, one of the most loved foods in the world, literally.
So, after countless hours of research and decades of experience as an actual pizza making and eating expert, here are the 25 most and least popular pizza toppings of all time!
Highest Rated Pizza Toppings Worldwide
According to YouGov, these are the most popular toppings in America and probably the world, however, we wanted to break them down and rank them.
1. Pepperoni
Despite this not being my personal favorite, Pepperoni is one of the most loved toppings, loved by many for its spicy, smoky flavor.
It’s a safe choice when catering to a crowd, and those who aren’t fans can easily pick them off.
I’ve actually written a full guide on what goes well with Pepperoni Pizza, and it’s one of my favorite pieces of content so far.
2. Sausage
Sausage is another crowd-pleaser. With a variety of types to choose from, including hot, mild, links, crumbles, smoked, and chicken, there’s a sausage for every taste.
Try pairing sausage slices with onions and mature cheddar for a hearty pizza.
3. Cheese
While mozzarella is the go-to choice for many, the world of cheese is vast and varied.
Consider using mature cheddar, ricotta, Provolone, Gouda, or goat cheese for a gourmet twist.
4. Mushrooms
Mushrooms add an earthy flavor to your pizza. Precook them in olive oil with herbs and spices to prevent them from turning watery on the pizza.
Button, oyster, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms all make delicious additions.
5. Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to your pizza. You can use it raw or pre-cooked, depending on your preference for crispiness.
Thick-cut, bacon bits, Canadian, smoked, or crumbled bacon are all excellent choices.
6. Steak
Steak might not be a common pizza topping, but it’s a delicious one. Use a cheaper cut, marinate it until tender, then add thin strips for a gourmet touch.
Pair it with Provolone, green peppers, and onions for a Philly cheesesteak pizza.
7. Onions/Caramelized Onions
Onions, whether raw or caramelized, add a lot of flavor to your pizza.
Raw onions add a nice crunch, while caramelized onions bring a sweet, rich flavor.
8. Peppers
Green peppers are a traditional choice, but don’t limit yourself.
Try banana peppers, red peppers, jalapeños, serranos, or poblanos for a spicy kick.
9. Chicken
Chicken is a versatile pizza topping that pairs well with many flavors.
Try BBQ chicken pizza with red onions, chicken parm pizza with ricotta cheese and fresh herbs, or buffalo chicken pizza.
10. BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to your pizza.
It pairs well with chicken, ground beef, pulled pork, and roasted veggies.
11. Pesto
If you’re not a fan of marinara sauce, try pesto.
It’s flavorful, fragrant, and adds a fresh twist to your pizza. Pair it with chicken, onions, and fresh mozzarella for a delicious combination.
12. Ham
Ham is a versatile pizza topping that pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients.
It’s a leaner option than bacon, making it a healthier choice.
13. Pineapple
Pineapple on pizza is a controversial topic, but if you’re a fan, go for it!
Its juicy sweetness complements the savory ingredients well. Pair it with ham for a classic Hawaiian pizza.
14. Seafood
Seafood might not be a common pizza topping, but it’s a delicious one.
Try mussels, clams, salmon, or scallops for a coastal twist on your pizza.
15. Pulled Pork
If you’re a BBQ fan, try pulled pork on your pizza.
It’s tender, flavorful, and pairs well with BBQ sauce, onions, and cheese.
16. Black Olives
Black olives add a salty, bold flavor to your pizza.
They pair well with chicken, beef, veggies, and more.
17. Spinach
Adding spinach to your pizza is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
It’s a great topping for a supreme or loaded veggie pizza.
18. Kale
Like spinach, kale is a nutrient-rich topping that adds a nice crunch to your pizza.
Pair it with mushrooms and goat cheese for a delicious combination.
19. Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts add a unique flavor to your pizza.
They pair well with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, fresh basil, and onions.
20. Tomato and Basil
Fresh tomatoes and basil can take your pizza to the next level.
This simple combination adds big flavor and is easy to customize.
21. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy, flavorful, smoky touch to your pizza.
Pair them with chicken and goat cheese for a gourmet pizza.
22. Chorizo
Chorizo adds saltiness, smokiness, and a hint of spice to your pizza.
Try it with goat cheese and caramelized onions for a gourmet pizza.
23. Prosciutto
Prosciutto adds a salty flavor to your pizza and gets perfectly crispy when baked.
If you’re a fan of ham, pepperoni, and bacon, you’ll love prosciutto.
24. Beef
Ground beef is a common ingredient on a supreme or meat lover’s pizza.
It’s thick, meaty, juicy, and ups your pie’s protein count.
25. Truffle Oil
Truffle oil adds a rich, earthy, slightly nutty, and sweet flavor to your pizza.
A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Top Vegetarian Pizza Toppings
For those who prefer plant-based toppings, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
Here are some of the top vegetarian pizza toppings that can add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your pizza.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a popular choice for vegetarian pizzas due to their meaty texture and earthy flavor. You can use a variety of mushrooms, including button, portobello, shiitake, or oyster, to add depth to your pizza.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and a vibrant pop of color to your pizza. You can use green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, or a combination of all for a colorful pizza.
- Onions: Onions add a sweet and tangy flavor to your pizza, especially when caramelized. Red onions, white onions, or sweet Vidalia onions are all great choices.
- Spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-rich topping that wilts beautifully on a pizza. It pairs well with a variety of other toppings, including mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a juicy, tangy flavor to your pizza. You can use sliced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes, depending on your preference.
- Olives: Both black and green olives add a salty, briny flavor to your pizza. They pair well with a variety of other toppings, including bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
- Artichokes: Artichoke hearts add a unique, slightly tangy flavor to your pizza. They pair well with other Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Broccoli: While not a traditional pizza topping, broccoli can add a nice crunch and a boost of nutrients to your pizza. It pairs well with other veggies like bell peppers and onions.
- Arugula: Adding fresh arugula to your pizza after it’s cooked adds a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. It pairs well with tomatoes, bell peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Goat Cheese: While not a vegetable, goat cheese is a vegetarian-friendly topping that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to your pizza. It pairs well with a variety of veggies, including spinach, bell peppers, and onions.
How to Layer Pizza Toppings
The order in which you layer your pizza toppings can affect the final result. Here’s a common order:
- Pizza Sauce: Spread your chosen sauce (e.g., tomato, BBQ, pesto) evenly over the pizza dough.
- Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of your chosen cheese over the sauce.
- Toppings: Add your chosen toppings. If you’re using a variety of toppings, distribute them evenly to ensure every slice gets a good mix.
- Additional Cheese (Optional): Some people like to add an extra layer of cheese on top of the toppings for extra gooeyness.
Names Of Popular Pizza Topping Combinations
- Margherita: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.
- Hawaiian: Ham and pineapple.
- BBQ Chicken: BBQ sauce, chicken, onions, and sometimes bacon.
- Meat Lover’s: A combination of meats such as pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and beef.
- Veggie Lover’s: A variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
- Supreme: A combination of meats and vegetables, often including pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
America’s Favorite Pizza Toppings
In a poll of more than 6,000 US adults, the favorite pizza topping in America was revealed to be pepperoni. About two-thirds (64%) of Americans say they like this topping, making it a clear winner.
Following pepperoni, other popular additions among US adults include:
- Sausage (56%): A close second to pepperoni, sausage is another meat topping that Americans love on their pizza.
- Mushrooms (54%): The most popular vegetable topping, mushrooms add a unique texture and flavor to the pizza.
- Extra Cheese (52%): Who doesn’t love more cheese? Half of the respondents enjoy an extra layer of cheesy goodness on their pizza.
- Onions (48%): Onions, with their sweet and tangy flavor when cooked, round out the top five favorite toppings.
The Most Disliked Pizza Toppings
On the other end of the spectrum, some toppings are less appreciated by Americans.
The most disliked pizza topping is anchovies, with a majority (61%) saying they dislike this topping.
Following anchovies, the other most disliked toppings include:
- Eggplant (52%): About half of the respondents dislike eggplant on their pizza.
- Artichoke (44%): Artichoke is another less favored topping, with 44% of respondents expressing their dislike.
- Broccoli (39%): Broccoli, despite its health benefits, is not a popular choice for pizza topping.
- Pineapple (35%): The ever-controversial pineapple rounds out the top five most disliked toppings. However, it’s worth noting that about a quarter of respondents (26%) say they like pineapple on pizza, making it a divisive choice.
Top Rated Pizza Crusts
The crust is an integral part of the pizza, and Americans have their preferences here too. They are narrowly divided between thin crust pizza (31% prefer this style) and regular crust (29%). About one in five (18%) prefer deep-dish pizza.
Geographically, residents in the Midwest (34%) and the West (32%) tend to prefer thin crust pizza, while the Northeast chooses regular crust (34%). In the South, there’s a tie between thin crust (29%) and regular crust (29%).
1. Thin Crust Pizza
Thin crust pizza is the most preferred style among Americans, with 31% of respondents favoring it.
This style is characterized by a thin, crispy crust that allows the toppings to take center stage.
There are several regional variations of thin crust pizza, including New York-style and Neapolitan-style pizzas.
- New York-Style Pizza: Known for its large, foldable slices and crispy outer crust, New York-style pizza is a favorite among many. The thin crust is topped with a light layer of tomato sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
- Neapolitan Pizza: Originating from Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its thin, soft, and chewy crust. It’s traditionally topped with simple, fresh ingredients: tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil.
2. Regular Crust Pizza
Regular crust pizza, also known as hand-tossed pizza, is the second most popular style, with 29% of Americans preferring it.
This style features a crust that is thicker and doughier than thin crust pizza but not as thick as deep-dish pizza.
It provides a balanced taste and texture between the crust and the toppings.
3. Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza, a style that originated in Chicago, is preferred by 18% of Americans.
This pizza is known for its thick crust that forms a deep “dish,” allowing for a generous amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings.
The crust is usually buttery and flaky, and the pizza is typically eaten with a knife and fork due to its thickness.
Popular Pizza Pairings & Toppings
The beauty of pizza lies in its versatility, allowing for an endless array of topping combinations to cater to different tastes.
Here, we will explore some popular types and combinations of pizza toppings that have won the hearts of pizza lovers.
1. Classic Combinations
These are the tried-and-true topping combinations that have stood the test of time.
- Pepperoni and Cheese: As the most popular pizza topping in America, pepperoni pairs perfectly with cheese, creating a simple yet delicious pizza.
- Sausage and Mushrooms: This combination offers a balance of meaty and earthy flavors. The savory sausage complements the subtle, earthy taste of mushrooms.
- Margherita: A classic Italian pizza, Margherita is topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, representing the colors of the Italian flag.
2. Meat Lovers’ Combinations
For those who can’t get enough of meat on their pizza, these combinations are for you.
- The Works: This pizza is loaded with various meats like pepperoni, sausage, ham, and sometimes even bacon. It’s often also topped with a variety of vegetables for a full flavor experience.
- BBQ Chicken: This pizza swaps traditional tomato sauce for barbecue sauce and is topped with grilled chicken, onions, and sometimes bacon for a tangy and savory treat.
3. Vegetarian Combinations
These combinations are perfect for those who prefer plant-based toppings.
- Veggie Delight: This pizza is loaded with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes. It’s a colorful and nutritious choice.
- Spinach and Goat Cheese: The creamy, tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh, slightly bitter spinach. Some versions also include caramelized onions or roasted garlic.
4. Gourmet Combinations
These combinations are a bit more unique and often found in gourmet pizzerias.
- Prosciutto and Arugula: This pizza is typically topped with mozzarella, thinly sliced prosciutto, and fresh arugula added after baking. The result is a pizza with a balance of creamy, salty, and peppery flavors.
- Pear and Gorgonzola: A unique but delicious combination, this pizza features thin slices of pear, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and sometimes a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
5. Controversial Combinations
These combinations are divisive, with people either loving or hating them.
- Pineapple and Ham (Hawaiian Pizza): The most controversial pizza topping, pineapple, is often paired with ham or bacon in the classic Hawaiian pizza. Fans love the sweet and savory combination, while critics argue that fruit has no place on pizza.
Key Takeaways
- There’s a wide variety of pizza toppings to choose from, ranging from classic options like pepperoni and cheese to more unique choices like artichoke hearts and truffle oil.
- The best pizza is the one you enjoy the most, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of toppings.
- Consider the style of pizza and the pairing of toppings when creating your pizza.
- Always take into account any dietary restrictions when choosing toppings.
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