Beyond Pepperoni: 5 Creative Pizza Topping Combinations You Need to Try

Let’s be honest: a classic pepperoni pizza is a masterpiece for a reason. Its salty, spicy, cheesy perfection is hard to beat. But the world of pizza is vast and wonderfully experimental, offering a canvas for flavors far beyond the ordinary. If you’re ready to break free from routine and tantalize your taste buds, it’s time to get creative with your toppings.

Here are five gourmet-inspired pizza combinations that will transform your next pizza night into a culinary adventure.

1. The Fig & Prosciutto

A sophisticated blend of sweet, salty, and creamy.

This combination is a star on any menu for a reason. It feels incredibly luxurious but is surprisingly simple to assemble at home.

• The Base: Start with a layer of a rich, creamy base like mascarpone cheese, a garlic-infused olive oil, or a light smear of fig jam instead of traditional tomato sauce.
• The Cheese: Fresh mozzarella pearls or shredded low-moisture mozzarella provide the perfect mild, melty foundation.
• The Star Toppings: Thinly sliced fresh figs (or a high-quality fig jam dolloped on after baking) and delicate ribbons of salty prosciutto.
• The Finishing Touch: After baking, add a handful of peppery arugula, a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the arugula, bringing it all together.

Why it works: The sweet figs and jam contrast beautifully with the salty prosciutto and Parmesan. The creamy cheese and sharp balsamic tie every incredible bite together.

2. The Spicy Peach & Bacon

A sweet, smoky, and spicy barbecue-inspired pie.

Think of the best parts of a summer barbecue, but on a pizza. This combo is a surprising crowd-pleaser that balances fruitiness with a kick of heat.

• The Base: Use a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce as the “sauce.” Choose one that is smoky rather than overly sweet.
• The Cheese: A blend of smoked Gouda and mozzarella cheese is ideal. The Gouda adds a deep smokiness that complements the bacon and BBQ sauce.
• The Star Toppings: Thinly sliced fresh peaches (or grilled peaches for extra flavor) and crispy, crumbled cooked bacon.
• The Finishing Touch: After it comes out of the oven, add thin slices of fresh jalapeño for a fresh, spicy kick and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Why it works: The juicy sweetness of the peach cuts through the rich, smoky bacon and BBQ sauce. The jalapeño adds a necessary hit of heat that elevates the entire pizza from sweet to complex and exciting.

3. The Potato & Rosemary

A rustic, comforting pizza that proves less is more.

Inspired by the classic Italian pizza Patate, this white pizza is carb-lover’s dream. It’s hearty, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying.

• The Base: A simple garlic and olive oil base (no red sauce here). You can infuse the olive oil with rosemary beforehand for an extra layer of flavor.
• The Cheese: Fontina cheese is a fantastic choice for its excellent melting quality and nutty flavor. A good mozzarella or even a light sprinkle of Parmesan also works well.
• The Star Toppings: Very thinly sliced Yukon Gold or russet potatoes (a mandoline is your best friend here). Toss them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before arranging them in a single, slightly overlapping layer.
• The Finishing Touch: Generous amounts of fresh rosemary, cracked black pepper, and a flaky sea salt like Maldon after baking.

Why it works: The thinly sliced potatoes become tender and almost creamy as they bake. The woody, aromatic rosemary is the perfect herb to complement the earthy potatoes and rich cheese.

4. The pesto, Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato

A vibrant, Mediterranean flavor explosion.

This pizza is bursting with the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for a summer evening and feels both fresh and indulgent.

• The Base: Ditch the tomato sauce and use a generous smear of vibrant basil pesto as your foundation.
• The Cheese: Creamy, tangy crumbled goat cheese is the star. It pairs perfectly with the pesto. You can add a light layer of mozzarella underneath for extra stretch.
• The Star Toppings: Julienned sun-dried tomatoes (the oil-packed kind, for more flavor) and sliced kalamata olives for a briny punch.
• The Finishing Touch: A handful of fresh baby spinach or arugula added after baking and a final drizzle of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.

Why it works: The pesto provides a fresh, herbal base that is heightened by the tangy goat cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense sweetness, while the olives bring a necessary salty, briny element.

5. The Breakfast Pizza

Why should breakfast have all the fun?

This pizza is the ultimate brunch centerpiece or the answer to your breakfast-for-dinner cravings. It’s hearty, delicious, and completely customizable.

• The Base: A creamy, bechamel-like sauce, a garlic cream cheese spread, or even a drizzle of hollandaise sauce after baking.
• The Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese or a Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor.
• The Star Toppings: Crispy crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham, and scrambled eggs (you can par-cook them so they don’t overbake). Pro Tip: For a easier method, crack a few whole eggs onto the pizza halfway through baking.
• The Finishing Touch: After baking, sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions and crispy diced potatoes or hash browns.

Why it works: It combines all the best parts of a hearty breakfast on a portable, shareable crust. The creamy base, cheesy goodness, savory meat, and fluffy eggs are a match made in heaven.