Top 11 Pizza Toppings

By CJ Tiernan

To quote Michael Scott: "Pizza. The great equalizer. Rich people love pizza. Poor people love pizza. White people love pizza. Black people love pizza." Pizza is awesome and everyone that doesn't have some allergy to one of its ingredients, loves the stuff. Below I've crafted a quick list of my 11 favorite toppings on a pizza.

1. Pepperoni

This one is the best and it is the most popular for a reason. It's weird because, unlike a lot of the other things on this list, pepperoni doesn't really occur much in the wild. Outside of an Italian sub, pizza is really the only place you see a pepperoni. I don't know who decided this, but as long the pepperoni pizza doesn't go extinct, I'm good.

2. Sausage

Sausage: The great 1-2 punch to accompany pepperoni on a pizza. It works great on its own, but is even better when it partners with the 'roni. Sorry to those of you allergic to fennel, sausage is dope.

3. Salami

This is basically the cousin or step brother of the pepperoni. I highly recommend it. It has a similar taste and texture. Usually, the slices they put on a pizza are a lot larger in diameter than a pepperoni. How fun is that!?

4. Bacon

This is a topping that lives well outside of the surface of a pizza. It has carved out a pretty profitable niche as a breakfast food, and it's doing okay in the burger-topping business, but I highly recommend it on a pizza. There is nothing like the taste of bacon.

5. Meatball

Don't worry, they don't usually serve this one the same way on a pizza as they do with a plate of spaghetti. They dice it up. The meatball is a great addition to one of those pizzas where they just throw all sorts of different meats on there. The more the merrier I always say.

6. Jalapeno or Serrano Peppers

Hey there vegetarians! If you stuck it out this far, good for you. I'm not a big "vegetables on pizza" guy, but I do like a bit of a kick. One of these peppers, diced and sprinkled on the 'za, is an absolute delight.

7. Diced or Sliced Tomato

I didn't include tomato sauce or cheese on the list because they are basic ingredients of pizza. It is not a topping, it is super necessary, dare I say: essential. However, topping the pizza with some tomatoes that are either thinly sliced or diced really hits.

8. Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce is another great way to add kick to your pizza. Some pizza places will offer a buffalo chicken pizza, where you can dip you toes into these waters. I actually like adding it to a pepperoni pizza as well. It adds some pizzaz to pizza. So I guess it, like, adds a third 'z'? I don't know, man. Try it!

9. Crushed Red Pepper

When you go to a pizzeria, you will often get some shakers put on the table with parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. If you like a little kick on your pizza, I'm sure you're no stranger to this one. It helps zhuzh it up.

10. Pesto

This is great option if you're looking for a replacement for the tomato sauce base. You usually break out the pesto for a white pizza or something with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on top. Maybe some basil or garlic? Maybe something to give it a little kick? I don't know, go wild!

11. Pineapple

Controversy Alert! I know some people say pineapple doesn't belong on pizza. I don't believe in legislating another man's pizza toppings. If you're a Hawaiian pizza guy, do you're thing. I'm not a big Canadian bacon guy (it's a texture thing) but I will absolutely say "aloha" to a pepperoni and pineapple pizza.

My siblings and I enjoying pizza from the friendly confines of a Ford Econoline. Florida - 2001

Final Thoughts

Obviously, most of the toppings on this list don't live alone. A pizza is a concert of different flavors and textures. Have it your way (wait that's Burger King). Please let me know in the comments if I left any of your favorite toppings off the list (if your answer is mushrooms, I did that on purpose). Thanks!