Few foods spark as much debate, or excitement, as pizza toppings. Some people swear by the classics. Others love piling on bold combinations. But no matter your preference, certain toppings have stood the test of time and continue to dominate menus worldwide.
If you’re building your perfect slice or planning a menu for a pizza business, this ultimate guide covers the most traditional and popular pizza toppings that customers keep coming back for.
If pizza had a global ambassador, it would be pepperoni. Slightly spicy, perfectly salty, and crisped at the edges when baked, pepperoni delivers bold flavor without overwhelming the cheese and sauce. It’s often the top-selling topping across many markets because it appeals to nearly everyone, from kids to adults.
Why it works:
The Margherita is proof that simplicity wins. Traditionally made with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, this pizza celebrates balance rather than overload. It’s light, fresh, and highlights the quality of ingredients rather than quantity.
Why it works:
sh flavorsPerfect for thin crust loversIdeal base for gourmet upgradesSausage adds depth and richness that’s slightly different from pepperoni. Whether it’s Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or mild crumbled sausage, it brings a juicy, seasoned bite to every slice.
Popular pairings include:
Mushrooms are one of the most traditional vegetable toppings worldwide. They add:
Mushrooms work beautifully on vegetarian pizzas but also complement meat-heavy combinations like supreme or meat lovers. Their mild flavor makes them incredibly adaptable.
Onions can completely shift a pizza’s flavor profile.
They’re rarely chosen alone but frequently included in combination pizzas for added dimension.
Bell peppers add crunch, brightness, and visual appeal.
Green peppers have a slightly bitter taste, while red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter. They’re common on supreme pizzas and vegetarian options, helping balance heavier toppings like sausage or pepperoni.
7. Olives
Olives, particularly black olives, bring a briny, salty flavor that enhances both meat and vegetable combinations.
They’re often featured in:
Green olives are less common but offer a sharper bite for those who enjoy stronger flavors.
Love it or argue about it, Hawaiian pizza remains globally popular.
The combination of savory ham and sweet pineapple creates contrast that many customers enjoy. The sweetness cuts through the richness of cheese and balances salty meat. Its popularity proves one thing: bold contrasts can work beautifully on pizza.
9. Bacon
Bacon brings smoky richness and crispy texture. It pairs well with:
Because bacon renders fat while baking, it intensifies flavor and adds indulgence to almost any combination.
Chicken has grown in popularity over the past two decades, especially in specialty pizzas like:
It offers a leaner protein option while still delivering satisfying flavor. Marinated or grilled chicken adds even more personality.
Spicy toppings are always in demand. Jalapeños provide heat without overpowering the entire pizza. They’re commonly added to:
For customers who enjoy spice, jalapeños are a must-have option.
12. Extra Cheese
Sometimes the best topping isn’t new. It’s more of what you already love.
Extra mozzarella creates:
It’s one of the most requested add-ons and pairs well with nearly any topping combination.
The “Supreme” pizza typically includes a mix of:
It’s popular because it offers variety in every bite. For indecisive customers, it’s often the easiest choice.
Traditional toppings remain popular for a reason. They’re familiar, satisfying, and versatile. While gourmet combinations continue to rise in popularity, classics like pepperoni, Margherita, sausage, and mushrooms still dominate orders worldwide. Whether you prefer simple and traditional or bold and loaded, the beauty of pizza lies in customization. The perfect topping combination isn’t about trends. It’s about what makes you reach for the next slice.
Drop By Joe's Pizza Stone for the Perfect Pizza in Lethbridge
Craving for a delicious, stone baked Lethbridge Pizza? At Joe's, we believe that a good pizza starts with the perfect crust. That's why our team has perfected the art of stone baking, to bring you the best possible version of your favorite pizza in Lethbridge.
Our secret? We use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients for our pizzas, from locally sourced vegetables to premium meats and cheeses. We offer a wide variety of toppings so you can create your own unique pizza masterpiece.
