This article will overview pizza toppings options, discuss the pros and cons of various styles, and provide recipes and insider tips/tricks to make your pizza perfect.
Ah, pizza. The one food most everyone can agree is a beloved classic, no matter what culture you come from. It’s a delicious snack or meal, and can be enjoyed with friends and family, or even alone in a cozy corner of your house.
And, of course, the favorite part of pizza? The toppings! From classic pepperoni to adventurous concoctions, pizza toppings can make or break your pie.
Best Toppings for Anchovy Pizza
When it comes to anchovy pizza, less is more. Don’t let the anchovy dominate the entire pizza—instead, only use a few scattered pieces per slice to balance out the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Subtler flavors, such as capers and olives, are essential on anchovy pizza to provide a nice, salty taste without overpowering the other toppings.
As far as additional toppings, try adding roasted bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
But, feel free to add any topping you find particularly tasty—just make sure that it doesn’t overpower the anchovies (otherwise, it kind of defeats the purpose).
If you really wanna “pizza nerd out” on this, read our deep dive on Anchovy Pizza Toppings here.
Vegetarian Pizza Toppings that Pack a Flavor Punch
When it comes to vegetarian pizza, there are so many delicious options! To keep it unique and flavorful, try adding one or two unexpected ingredients, such as roasted squash or artichoke heart.
If you’re looking for a little bit of spice, they also pair very well with a thinly sliced jalapeño pepper or some arugula.
When it comes to cheese, look for cheeses with bold flavors—goat cheese, smoked gouda, fontina, and Gruyère are all great options.
Don’t be afraid to throw in something different, like roasted sweet potatoes, walnuts, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. All these bold flavors will help carry the other toppings and provide you with a delicious, vegetarian pizza.
The Best Cheeses, Meats, and Vegetables for Pizza Toppings
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless, but to make the most out of your pizza then it’s important to choose the right ingredients.
Cheeses: For a lot of pizzas, mozzarella is a classic cheese to use. It has a mild flavor that melts nicely and is often the go-to cheese for most pizza makers. But don’t be afraid to give other cheese a try, such as parmesan or ricotta. The flavors they bring will make your pizza unique and delicious.
Meats: Meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon are popular toppings, but there are a lot of other options as well. Go for something that’s full of flavor, like instant-cured or smoked meats, or even cured fish like anchovies or smoked trout. You can also try prosciutto or ground beef if you’re looking for something a little more substantial.
Vegetables: Roasted veggies are always great on pizza, but don’t be afraid to add some fresh veggies as well to really boost the flavor. Add some finely chopped onion, peppers, kale, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. The roasted veggies will be a great base for the other toppings, while the fresh veggies provide some nice contrast and a bit of crunchiness.
Cooking Methods
When it comes to pizzas, there are two basic cooking methods: baking and grilling. Baking is the traditional pizza-making technique, and the most popular way to cook pizzas.
Baking requires time and the right temperature, but it can produce perfectly cooked, golden-brown crusts with the right tools and practice.
Grilling is newer to the pizza-making game, but it’s an increasingly popular method, especially in the summertime.
Grilling adds a smokiness to the pizza and a slightly more charred crust that can really set a pizza apart from the traditional baked variety. However, it can be trickier to do, since it’s difficult to get the heat level just right.
Tips and Recipes
Making an incredible pizza is all about having the proper tools, the right ingredients, and the proper technique. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Use a pizza stone and brush the surface with a bit of olive oil before placing the dough on top. This will help it bake evenly and give the pizza a golden hue.
- Always preheat your oven to the right temperature and let your pizza cook for the full cooking time. This will ensure that the crust is cooked properly.
- Don’t skimp on toppings. You want to create a good balance of flavors, so include a good mix of vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
- Put your toppings on before cooking and bake the pizza on the lower rack of the oven. This will allow the crust to become crispy and brown, and the toppings to create a nice combination of flavors.
- When choosing your toppings, be sure to get fresh ingredients. Frozen vegetables and processed meats won’t give you the same flavor as fresh ingredients. To help you get started, here are a few delicious recipes that are sure to become your favorite:
- The Classic: Simply put, you can’t go wrong with the classic combination of pepperoni and mozzarella. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes.
- Veggie Delight: For a delicious vegetarian pizza, top with thin slices of red onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, and finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- BBQ Bacon and Pineapple: For a sweet and savory combination, top the pizza with bacon, pineapple, BBQ sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Margherita: For a classic Italian pizza, top it with onions, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Mediterranean: For something a little different, top your pizza with feta cheese, olives, spinach, and tomatoes. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
For the best pizza experience, there’s nothing like a visit to a local pizzeria. But, if you’re looking for something a little closer and easier, consider making your own pizza at home.
With some fresh ingredients, the right toppings, and a delicious pizza stone, you’re sure to have a pizza-making experience that will have you coming back for more. So, get creative, experiment, and enjoy the art of pizza-making!
