10 Unique Pizza Toppings That Add a Unique Twist to A Cherished Classic
Who doesn’t love a good pizza?! The iconic doughy treat made its way to America’s shores in the early 20th century and has since earned a permanent spot in the hearts and stomachs of millions. Its impact is undeniable! According to The Washington Post, today Americans consume around “3 billion pizzas…every year.” If you do the pizza math, that’s 46 slices of “‘za,” every day, for every person in the country. With that many slices in rotation, it’s no surprise that sometimes we get tired of the same pepperoni, sausage, cheese monotony.
Here at Grubhub, we like options! And variety! So the next time you’re craving a pizza pie, check out this list of 10 unique pizza topping combinations to inspire your next order and get you out of that pizza rut.
Hawaiian Pizza
Topped with pineapple and ham, the Hawaiian pizza is obviously not of Italian origin. However, pineapple on pizza enthusiasts may be shocked to know that it doesn’t come from Hawaii either. This truly worldly invention of a pizza was actually created in Canada in 1962 by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos. Today you can find Hawaiian pizza all over, with the traditional ham and pineapple offering. But if you like a good kick, consider adding jalapenos for a truly umami pizza experience.
Italian Beef pizza
In Chicago? Perfect. Missing Chicago? That’s nothing a little giardiniera, a hot and tangy pickled pepper relish, can’t fix! When you order an Italian Beef pizza, you can expect the classic Chicago combination of thinly shaved beef, mushrooms, bell peppers and of course, giardiniera — all piled on top of mozzarella, red sauce and a thin crust. Cut into squares. If we’re being really authentic. Labriola Chicago does it right, order their famous “Richie’s Italian Beef Chicago Thin Crust Pizza with the works.
Pizza Bianco
Close your eyes and picture a pizza. Chances are there’s a red marinara sauce base, right? Well it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way. Pizza Bianco doesn’t use tomato sauce, instead, olive oil, garlic, and herbs are covered in a melty white cheese like ricotta, parmesan or fresh mozzarella. That’s the basic recipe, but feel free to get creative with the toppings. NYC is a pizza town, but Joe’s Pizza (The Greenwich Village Institution) has a great white pie with dollops of whipped ricotta cheese and whatever unique pizza toppings your heart desires.
Penne alla Vodka Pizza
Pasta ON a pizza? Now we’re talking. If carbs are your thing, try penne alla vodka pizza. As its name suggests, this pizza consists of penne pasta tossed in a creamy, tomato-based, vodka sauce and baked to perfection with bubbly mozzarella cheese and more vodka sauce for the dough.
Pesto pizza
Pesto pizza topped with fresh, ripe tomatoes and mozzarella is another delicious alternative to the traditional red sauce pie. Pesto is made from ground pine nuts, garlic, spinach, and a flavorful olive oil. It’s hard to go wrong with a melty white cheese and this flavorful spread as your base.
Mac & Cheese pizza
Mac & Cheese pizza combines two comfort food favorites for a best of both worlds pizza topping combo! Melty cheddar cheese, pasta and bubbly pizza dough is an amazing combo as is. But add bacon, or prosciutto and a fresh herb like green onion or chives to your order and you’ve got yourself a truly decadent pizza experience.
Buffalo chicken pizza
Buffalo Chicken pizza is the perfect thing to order when you’re craving something spicy. Like say, the buffalo chicken wings you were going to add to your order anyway. Order your pizza topped with spicy chicken, melted mozzarella, blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch for the perfect Buffalo Chicken pizza experience.
Taco Pizza
The rerelease of Taco Bell’s famed “Mexican Pizza” has brought the taco pizza back into the spotlight! But there’s no need to hit the drive-thru to get your hands on these trending pizza toppings. If you’re in Boston, you can order a pie from Alexandria Pizza topped with ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, fresh tomato, shredded lettuce, taco sauce and a sour cream drizzle. All the taco flavors you love on a pizza base.
BBQ Chicken pizza
Sweet tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, crisp red onion and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese is a classic, though non-traditional pizza combo. This pizza was made famous in the 80’s at California Pizza Kitchen by chef Ed LaDou. Since then, its popularity has skyrocketed and it’s popped up on menus all over the country — much to the delight of BBQ Chicken lovers everywhere. If you’re in Philly, Brandywine Pizza has a grilled BBQ chicken with the most perfect BBQ sauce spiral – guaranteed sauciness with every bite.
Breakfast pizza
You’re an adult, you’re allowed to have pizza for breakfast! In fact, there is a pizza topping combination specifically made for breakfast. Order your pizza with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage crumbles, a bunch of melty cheese and a sausage gravy base to take breakfast for dinner, or dinner for breakfast to the next level.
