When it comes to pizza, everyone has their go-to favorites: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and maybe some peppers. But there’s a whole world of rarely used toppings that can take your pizza to the next level—flavors and textures that offer more complexity and intrigue than your standard fare. Let’s take a look at six underrated pizza toppings, why they work, and how you can incorporate them into your next pie. Plus, we’ll cap it off with a tavern-style pizza recipe that brings a few of these hidden gems together.
1. Giardiniera: The Pickle Lover’s Dream
Giardiniera is a pickled and/or fermented vegetable mix that typically includes a combination of cauliflower, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and hot peppers, often packed in oil or vinegar. The fermented version, popular in Chicago on an Italian Beef sandwich, is best on pizza, as it brings a crunchy, tangy, and spicy element that cuts through the richness of cheese and sauce.
Why it works: The acidity from the veggies balances the fat from the cheese, while the heat adds a kick that pairs well with both red and white sauces. It’s perfect for adding texture and flavor in each bite.
2. Anchovy Paste: The Umami Bomb
Anchovy paste is a rich, salty, and deeply umami ingredient that doesn’t get the love it deserves. Many people shy away from anchovies due to their intensity, but anchovy paste, used sparingly, provides that same savory punch without being overpowering.
Why it works: Anchovy paste acts as a flavor enhancer, much like a good dash of salt. It brings out the best in the cheese and tomato sauce, adding depth and a savory complexity to the pizza without tasting “fishy.”
3. Ricotta Cheese: The Creamy Contrast
Most people associate mozzarella with pizza, but ricotta cheese can offer a whole new level of creaminess. Light and slightly sweet, ricotta adds a smooth, mellow flavor that pairs beautifully with stronger ingredients.
Why it works: Ricotta’s mild flavor and soft texture balance out bolder toppings like spicy meats or acidic vegetables. It also creates a luscious contrast with crispy crusts or chewy mozzarella.
4. Fried Capers: The Briny Crunch
Capers are often used to add a salty, briny note to pasta dishes and salads, but when fried, they become crunchy little bursts of flavor that are a delightful surprise on pizza.
Why it works: Fried capers not only add a pop of brininess, but their crispy texture gives your pizza a more complex mouthfeel, pairing especially well with rich, oily toppings like nduja or anchovy paste.
5. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and Tangy Intensity
Sun-dried tomatoes pack an intense burst of sweetness and tanginess. While fresh tomatoes are standard, the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes can add a whole new dimension to your pizza.
Why it works: The chewy, tart-sweet profile of sun-dried tomatoes plays well with creamy cheeses like ricotta and mild, earthy flavors like leeks. They bring a satisfying depth to pizzas without making them overly watery, like fresh tomatoes can.
6. Leeks: The Sophisticated Onion
Leeks are like a more delicate, sophisticated version of onions. They have a mild, sweet flavor and tender texture when cooked, making them a perfect topping for more refined pizzas.
Why it works: Leeks provide a subtle sweetness and an almost buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with salty toppings like capers or anchovy paste. They are versatile and can be used with both white and red sauces.
Bonus: Nduja – The Spreadable Heat
Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Calabria, Italy. It’s packed with chili peppers, giving it a fiery kick and a soft, almost paste-like texture that melts beautifully on pizza.
Why it works: The heat and fattiness of nduja work as a perfect counterbalance to creamier or more acidic ingredients, like ricotta or giardiniera. Its spreadable nature means it integrates seamlessly into every bite, making for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Tavern-Style Pizza with Underrated Toppings
Tavern-style pizza, also known as bar pizza, is a thin-crust pie often cut into squares and designed for easy, snackable bites. Check out this recipe and add on some of these toppings to take your pie to 11!
