Are you looking for the most popular authentic Italian pizza toppings?
Authentic Italian pizza offers a wide array of delicious toppings that cater to various tastes and preferences. These toppings are the very things that truly bring out the flavors and make each slice a delightful experience.
Each bite of an authentic Italian pizza tells a story of tradition, passion, and flavors that have stood the test of time. When it comes to this beloved Italian dish, creativity truly knows no bounds. You should explore the most popular authentic Italian toppings. However, bear in mind that when it comes to pizza, minimalism reigns supreme.
From the traditional Margherita that pays homage to Italy’s flag to the intriguingly delectable combination of eggplant or anchovies and caramelized onion, these toppings are more than mere ingredients – they’re cultural symbols that have shaped the way we perceive and relish pizza.
So, next time you indulge in a slice of authentic Italian pizza, take a moment to appreciate the carefully selected toppings that make it an unforgettable culinary delight.
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18 Most Popular Authentic Italian Pizza Toppings
From classic combinations to unique variations, the following popular authentic Italian pizza toppings will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes play a foundational role in pizza, contributing to its renowned flavor and adaptability. The sauce commonly consists of ripe, crushed tomatoes combined with herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, and garlic. The tomato sauce introduces taste, moisture, and a subtly tangy note to the pizza.
Tomatoes play a crucial role in Margherita pizza, a staple of Italian cuisine. This uncomplicated pizza showcases a tomato sauce base, accompanied by fresh mozzarella cheese and whole basil leaves, symbolizing the colors of Italy’s flag: red, white, and green – a true representation of Italy on your plate!
Furthermore, beyond the tomato sauce, certain pizzas incorporate sliced or diced tomatoes as toppings. These tomatoes infuse the pizza with a burst of succulence and sweetness, harmonizing with other elements to elevate the overall flavor experience.
2. Basil
Basil is a favorite herb that adds a wonderful smell and a little peppery kick to the pizza’s taste. Just like tomatoes, basil is a key topping in traditional Margherita pizza, often placed on top of the pizza after it’s cooked.
The heat of the oven helps release basil’s essential oils, intensifying its aroma. This not only enhances the overall flavor of the pizza but also contributes to the visual appeal with its vibrant green color.
Basil’s inclusion in pizza highlights its connection to Italian culinary heritage, as it’s a staple herb in Mediterranean cooking. This herb keeps things simple and fresh, just like the real deal Italian dishes we all love. So, when you see basil on your pizza, you know you’re in for a tasty treat!
3. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a traditional and popular topping for authentic Italian pizza. People love it because it’s not too strong in taste and melts really nicely, making the pizza taste creamy and cheesy.
Mozzarella pairs well with tomato sauce and other toppings. Its mild flavor allows it to complement a wide range of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for both traditional and creative pizza combinations.
Fresh mozzarella is a staple on Neapolitan-style pizzas, boasting a soft, creamy texture and delicate flavor. It becomes wonderfully rich and milky when baked in wood-fired ovens, delighting pizza enthusiasts with its capacity to melt into delectable, gooey strands.
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4. Burrata
Burrata is basically a type of fresh mozzarella with cream – like a gourmet twist on the classic cheese. But the cool part is, when you bite into it, you’ll find creamy goodness and bits of mozzarella hiding inside. Because it’s got more fat, it’s super rich and buttery in taste.
Once your pizza is cooked and out of the oven, simply place pieces of burrata cheese on top. You can also enjoy the excitement of slicing into the ball, seeing the creamy shreds flow out and cover the pizza. Add a gentle drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some fragrant basil leaves or arugula on top and you’re good to go!
5. Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, aged Italian cheese with a distinctive savory and nutty flavor. When sprinkled on pizza, it adds a wonderful depth of taste and a hint of saltiness.
Parmesan cheese adds a crumbly texture and a strong flavor that works really well with the other ingredients, making the pizza taste even better. It’s a favorite choice for pizza lovers who appreciate that extra burst of flavor and a touch of authenticity in every bite.
Just remember, fake Parmesan cheeses or cheaper options might have a slightly bitter taste.
6. Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a special kind of dried ham, made from premium pork legs. The meat is coated in salt and allowed to rest for several weeks so the salt extracts blood and moisture to create a protective barrier against bacteria. This process makes it safe for us to enjoy prosciutto in its “raw” form.
Prosciutto brings awesome flavor and texture to pizza. Thin strips are added after cooking to keep their delicate texture and yummy taste. The salty prosciutto works really well with the other ingredients on the pizza, making a super tasty combo.
If you love a bit of savory and salty zing on your pizza, prosciutto is a go-to pick!
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7. Salami
Salami is a type of cured sausage made from a blend of seasoned meats. Compared to prosciutto that has a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with gentle sweet and savory notes, salami offers a firmer, chewier consistency and a bold, spicy flavor.
Once placed on pizza, salami turns slightly crispy along the edges as it’s baked in the oven. This creates a delightful contrast to the gooey cheese and soft dough. Its bold and slightly spicy flavor also gives the pizza a tasty kick. So, if you enjoy robust flavors and a bit of crunch, topping your pizza with salami is a wonderful option!
8. Salsiccia
Salsiccia is one of the oldest and most famous sausages out there. It’s made with fresh meat, mostly pork, along with some pancetta and pork neck pieces.
The sausage is often crumbled and spread across the pizza, distributing its delicious flavors evenly. Salsiccia on pizza is a delicious choice, thanks to its savory and slightly spiced flavors that can really enhance the overall taste of the pizza.
If you’re a fan of sausages and enjoy a touch of extra flavor, you’ll definitely love how salsiccia adds a delightful and flavorful topping to your pizza.
9. Onion
Onions can definitely be a tasty addition to pizza! They offer a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that really goes well various other toppings.
You might like red onions, white onions, or even caramelized onions – all of these can bring a pleasant crunch and a touch of savory richness to your pizza.
To guarantee even cooking and not overpowering the other flavors, onions are sliced thinly. Many pizza lovers enjoy adding onions as they’re a popular choice that can wonderfully boost the taste of their pie.
10. Oregano
Would you like a bit of herbal zest on your pizza? Then oregano is definitely a good choice to consider for your toppings!
Oregano is a popular herb often used as a pizza topping. Its aromatic and slightly peppery flavor adds an authentic Italian touch to the dish. Sprinkling dried oregano on your pizza before or after baking can contribute to a flavorful and balanced taste.
This herb pairs well with tomato-based sauces and cheese, enhancing the savory and herbal notes of the pizza.
11. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a popular and delicious pizza toppings as they add a unique earthy flavor and a satisfying texture to the pizza. They can be sliced thin and placed on top of the cheese or other toppings before baking. They also have a way of soaking up the flavors of the other ingredients and melting into the cheese, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Mushrooms are a popular choice for those who prefer a vegetarian option. Not only do they add a rich, earthy flavor to the pizza, but they also provide a satisfying texture.
There’s a wide variety of mushrooms available, each presenting thrilling opportunities as imaginative and unique pizza toppings. Cremini, portobello, morel, button, or even wild mushrooms are excellent choices for pizza. However, if you want an authentic Italian gourmet pizza, the flavor of truffle toppings is truly unbeatable!
12. Arugula
A popular salad green, arugula on pizza brings a lively, peppery flavor and a wonderfully light and airy texture that’s really satisfying. It adds a nice contrast to the other flavors, with its slight bitterness of arugula balancing out the richness of other ingredients like cheese and meats.
This leafy green vegetable with a bit of a peppery taste is also often used in salads and sandwiches. On pizza, you can use olive oil or balsamic glaze over the arugula to complement the peppery taste.
Arugula is delicate, so it’s added after baking the pizza to preserve its flavor and texture.
13. Spinach
Another nutritious pizza topping, spinach is a popular choice due to its mild flavor and versatility. It is a delicious addition to the dish, thanks to its leafy and slightly earthy taste.
This spinach pizza has been loved in many Italian homes for generations and is definitely one of the most popular vegetable pizzas ever. The combination of greens and cheese goes really well together, making this vegetable a great choice for pizza.
Since it’s a delicate green like arugula, spinach for pizza shouldn’t be precooked.
14. Artichokes
In the US, you won’t find this veggie on pizzas too often; but in real Italian pizza, it’s a total hit. A classic Italian favorite usually combines artichokes, ham, and either mushrooms or olives. It’s a delicious combo that’s loved in Italy.
Artichokes can be prepared in various ways before topping the pizza. You can marinate, grill, or use them as they are, based on what you like.
Mixing artichokes with ingredients like cheese, olives, garlic, and herbs brings out a burst of flavor on your pizza that’s really satisfying.
15. Eggplant
The natural flavor and one-of-a-kind texture of eggplant will make your taste buds dance! It can be added to any type of pizza. It’s so good that it practically melts in your mouth, pairing perfectly with all sorts of cheese and sauce options.
Eggplant-topped pizza can be really tasty. It has a gentle taste and readily takes in the flavors it’s prepared with. It’s a great example of the variety of toppings you can find on traditional Italian pizzas.
Eggplant toppings go well with other ingredients, but combining it with caramelized onions significantly heightens its flavor.
16. Black olives
People often use black olives in pasta sauces to balance the tanginess and give a nice feel. They are commonly used as pizza toppings as well. In fact, they are quite popular and are often included as one of the many options for pizza toppings.
The flavor of black olives on pizza can differ based on what you like. Lots of people like the somewhat salty and tasty taste of black olives that can make the other pizza ingredients taste better.
Using black olives on pizzas with tomato sauce is a good choice. You can use green olives, too, but black ones can enhance your pizza’s taste and healthiness. If you want more flavor and some extra nutrition, go for black olives.
17. Anchovies
Anchovies have a history with pizza that goes way back. The practice of putting fish on bread has been around in Italy since Ancient Rome, and this continued when pizza was invented.
Anchovy pizza became a thing in Italy centuries ago, during which time people used what was available to them. The fish were cheap and easy to find, so why not put them on bread with some sauce? Peasants preferred things that were affordable and didn’t spoil easily, hence the anchovies. These small fish were abundant in the Mediterranean, and they were easy to preserve with some oil and salt.
Today, most non-Italians consider anchovies as weird pizza toppings. They aren’t unusual; instead, they are traditional and commonly used, adding a distinct umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pizza. When combined with capers or caramelized onions, the result is a unique and memorable culinary experience.
18. Extra-virgin olive oil
Having a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is important for special pizzas and dipping oils. It’s really good and has strong flavors. There are also oils with added flavors, as well as oils from nuts and seeds, which work well for putting a little on top of pizzas.
Using extra virgin monovarietal olive oil as a pizza topping is better than other oils. This is because it’s of higher quality, which means it’s healthier and gives the pizza a better taste and sensory experience.
No matter if you’re making a simple Margherita, anchovy, or eggplant pizza, putting a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil before adding the toppings is a good practice to ensure the toppings cook evenly and provide a tasty flavor.