These days, you can find anything on top of a pizza, but which are the classics you simply must try? Here are the main Italian pizza toppings to go on top of your homemade dough. Choose your favorites!
I cannot even begin to tell you how much pizza I had during my recent trip to Italy. It was an eye-opening (and to be honest a bit fattening experience) that I thoroughly enjoyed. One of the things that most jumped out at me while I was there is how simple they like to keep their toppings: it’s never more than three elements and the Margherita is definitely the queen of all.
In a world where it’s possible to have pineapple pizza (and I still do love it, don’t @ me) or beetroot pizza (this I had in Sweden and it was delicious!), sometimes it’s interesting to go for the basics, the flavors that will never let you down when you’re popping some homemade pizza in the oven.
5 Italian pizza toppings to try
1. Pizza Margherita
This is definitely the fundamental pizza template and you should have it at least once. So what are the toppings? Tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella that you have to cut into rounds, and a few fresh basil leaves. You can add the basil before or after baking. It depends on how you like it, so you can experiment with that at will. Make sure the toppings are distributed evenly and you’re good to go!
2. Prosciutto e Funghi
The title basically translates as “prosciutto and mushrooms”, so guess what the toppings are for this one? You can use a mix of mushrooms and also ham to make this happen. The result is a delicious blend of texture and flavor, loaded with protein and supremely enjoyable. Don’t forget the tomato sauce and the shredded mozzarella on top and you’re in for a good time.
3. Quattro fromaggi
This one is also easily understood once translated: who doesn’t love a good four cheese dish? Especially if the cheese is melty and you can feel every flavor. Use the tomato sauce and then pick four kinds of cheese you want to blend on the dough. Gorgonzola is also a favorite, mozzarella is already legendary, but these are just two humble suggestions. Go nuts!
4. Prosciutto crudo e rucola
The basis for this is a margherita, so add the tomato sauce and slices of mozzarella, but it has the added and granted carnivorous benefit of also delighting you with prosciutto slices and some healthy arugula on top. Don’t forget the fresh basil leaves!
5. Pizza MarinaraÂ
A great vegan alternative, Pizza marinara is the one for you if you’re a huge fan of garlic. I know I am! And the recipe is quite simple! You just need marinara sauce or simple tomato sauce, and some garlic cloves that you finely mince. Spread the sauce over the dough, then add the bits of garlic and bake! You can add just a tad of oregano on top, for extra flavor.
