Pizza is a simple dish. It’s only bread, tomato and cheese after all. But it’s also one of the most popular foods in the world, with over 3 billion pizzas served each year.

And no wonder! The vast array of food that pairs well with cheese, bread and tomato sauce is pretty endless. Obviously you can spice up your own recipes with little tweaks here and there but what about trying some completely non- traditional pizza toppings? What about pushing the limits and finding flavor pairings that you didn’t know existed?

In this article, we’ll be breaking down some of the most delicious and underrated pizza toppings available.

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1) Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a great topping for pizza, whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory. It adds a delicious and unique flavor to the mix, and it goes well with both cheese and tomato sauce.

Remember that butternut squash has a very low-intensity flavor and so requires some herbs and spices to bring it to life. Try cinnamon, rosemary or thyme to start (salt may also be needed).

2) Taco Seasoned Ground Beef

Yes, the mental image makes people think twice about this idea. However, the most prominent place we find taco meat is smack dab in the middle of a tortilla (not bread but a close cousin) and topped with tomato and cheese.

If you’re looking for a little extra flavor, try adding some onions, peppers or mushrooms to help balance out the bold flavor of the ground beef.

3) Pickles (Dill especially)

This is a topping that you might not have considered, but it’s one that works surprisingly well. The vinegar in pickles helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce, and it gives the pizza a nice tangy flavor.

It takes some playing with but the opportunity is there and worth pursuing. Garlic is a must have ingredient here and you can also use a creamy white sauce instead of tomato.

4) Corned Beef

This is another one that might not sound appetizing at first, but it’s a popular dish for a reason. The salty flavor of the corned beef pairs perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut, and it’s a flavor combination that you won’t soon forget.

This is definitely a pizza for people who like bold flavors, but if that’s what you’re into then you won’t be disappointed. Try adding some caraway seeds to really bring out the flavor of the sauerkraut. You can also top it off with some old world pepperonis. Don’t go too crazy though.

5) Egg Yolk (cooked)

If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, then this is the pizza topping for you. The rich and creamy flavor of the egg yolk pairs perfectly with toasted bread. Don’t go too heavy on the tomato sauce as you don’t want to overwhelm the egg.

There should be no question about it. The egg yolk should be the lead singer and the herbs/spices in the background. You can thank me later 🙂

6) Mashed Potatoes

This one is perfect for people who really like to push the limits. The mashed potatoes act as a delicious and hearty base, and you can top it with just about anything you want.

Ground beef, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheese… the list goes on and on. Just make sure that you don’t put too much mashed potato on, as it can quickly take over and become mashed potatoes with a side of pizza.

7) Fried Chicken (and honey)

This is a topping that is popular in the south, and for good reason. The crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey, turning the pizza from “appetizer” into “main course”.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some hot sauce to really give the pizza a kick. While untraditional in most places, this is a crowd pleaser and one worth pursuing.

8) Asparagus

This is a great vegetable to use as a pizza topping, as it has a delicate flavor that pairs well with both cheese and tomato sauce. Stick with mozzarella cheese as it won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the asparagus.

If you’re looking to really bring out the flavor of the asparagus, try roasting it before adding it to the pizza. This will help to caramelize the natural sugars and give the asparagus a nice smoky flavor.

9) Blue Cheese

This is a controversial one, as many people either love it or hate it. However, if you’re a fan of blue cheese then you’ll love it as a pizza topping. The bold flavor of the blue cheese pairs nicely with the sweetness of the tomato sauce. The bread’s crunchy texture also helps make sure this doesn’t become one funky, mush-fest.

Balsamic and spinach also work seamlessly with blue cheese.

In Closing

There are so many different and unique pizza toppings that you can try, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pizza toppings or you like to experiment, there’s a topping out there for you. So get creative and have fun!

Got any weird pizza topics you’ve had success with? Let us know in the comments.