From classics like salami and basil to more adventurous choices like anchovies and prosciutto, there’s a perfect topping combination for every taste. So if you’re looking to add a little bit of Italian flair to your pizza making, then look no further! With these authentic Italian pizza toppings, you’ll turn an ordinary pizza into a delicious, Italian masterpiece. Buon appetito!
What are Italy’s favorite pizza toppings?
Some of the most popular pizza toppings for Neapolitan pizza are:
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Tomato sauce
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Basil
- Oregano
- Olives
- Mushrooms
- Artichokes
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- ‘Nduja
Pizza dough and sauce
Any good pizza starts with a good dough. When it comes to Italian and Neapolitan pizza in particular, many consider the crust to be the star of the show. And the toppings garnish. You can find the detailed recipe an authentic Neapolitan pizza dough here.
For most of the pizza topping combinations, you also need tomato sauce. To make authentic Neapolitan tomato sauce, you only need a few simple ingredients, and it takes less than 5 minutes. Recipe for Neapolitan tomato sauce.
Popular topping combinations for Italian pizza
Here are some of the most popular pizza topping combinations for Neapolitan pizza:
- Pizza Margherita
- Pizza Marinara
- Pizza Diavola
- Pizza Quattro Formaggi (frour cheeses)
- Pizza Capricciosa
- Pizza Quattro Stagioni (four seasons)
- Pizza Boscaiola
- Pizza Frutti di Mare (seafood)
- Pizza alla Napoletana (anchovy pizza)
- Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi (ham and mushrooms)
- Pizza ‘Nduja
- Pizza Caprese
- Pizza Mastunicola
In the following section, you’ll find the toppings needed for all these delicious classics.
Pizza Margherita
There’s nothing quite like a classic pizza Margherita. Pizza Margherita is a classic Neapolitan pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The tomatoes provide sweetness and acidity that offsets the rich mozzarella, while the basil adds a touch of herbaceousness. The perfect balance!
Pizza Margherita is said to have been created in 1889, in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. At the time pizza was considered peasant food, but the legend has it that the queen was so taken with the pizza, she ordered it to be served at all her royal functions.
Today, Pizza Margherita is one of the most popular pizzas in Italy and around the world. The simple and balanced combination of fresh ingredients is a testament to the power of simplicity. But when it comes to pizza, less is more.
Pizza Margherita is also described in the AVPN, True Neapolitan Pizza Association, regulation for true Neapolitan pizza.
Toppings for Pizza Margherita
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Pecorino or Parmesan (optional)
Pizza Marinara
Considered one of the simplest pizzas, the Marinara is a Neapolitan pizza made with tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. Who would’ve thought that one of the best pizza topping combinations contains no cheese? But don’t let the simplicity of the Marinara trick you! The perfect balance of fresh tomato sauce and slightly charred pizza crust is simply irresistible.
Pizza Marinara is named after the Italian word for “seafarer” because it was created by Italian sailors. At sea, they could only bring ingredients that lasted for weeks at sea. So cheese like mozzarella wasn’t possible to bring. But regardless of the origin, the Pizza Marinara is delicious, and everyone can enjoy it!
Toppings for Pizza Marinara
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Extra virgin olive oil
Pizza Diavola
The Pizza Diavola is a spicy classic perfect for anyone who loves a kick. The name Diavola means “devil” in Italian, and this pizza lives up to its name with a fiery combination of chili peppers, and hot salami. It’s also topped with olives which gives the Diavola a delicious savory flavor that balances the heat perfectly together with creamy mozzarella cheese. So if you’re looking for a truly unique pizza experience, look no further than Pizza Diavola.
Toppings for Pizza Diavola
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Spicy salami (salame piccante)
- Chili pepper
- Oregano
- Black olives
Pizza Quattro Formaggi (frour cheeses)
Quattro Formaggio is a delicious Italian pizza made with four different types of cheese. The most common cheeses used are mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, or Asiago, and hard cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. But you can also use other types of cheese. Pizza Quattro Formaggio is typically decorated with fresh basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil. The cheese combination gives the pizza a rich and creamy flavor. If you’re craving a truly indulgent pizza experience, then pizza Quattro Formaggio is the pie for you!
Toppings for Pizza Quattro Formaggi
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Gorgonzola
- Fontina
- Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Pizza Capricciosa
Capricciosa is a type of Italian pizza that is commonly topped with ham mushrooms, olives, and artichokes. But the ingredients may vary depending on the region. The word “Capricciosa” means “capricious” or “whimsical” in Italian, and this name reflects the fact that the toppings on this pizza can vary depending on the chef’s preference.
Toppings for Pizza Capricciosa
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Ham
- Mushrooms
- Artichokes
- Black and green olives
Pizza Quattro Stagioni (four seasons)
Pizza Quattro Stagioni is an Italian classic and version of the Pizza Capricciosa. The name, Quattro Stagioni, means “four seasons”. The pizza is divided into 4 sections or quadrants, each presenting one of the four seasons of the year.
Artichokes for the sprint, tomatoes or basil for summer, mushrooms for autumn, and prosciutto or olives for winter. The toppings are arranged in quadrants on the pizza so different slices of the pizza have different flavor combinations. While it may sound like a strange combination, Quattro Stagioni is a tasty pizza at any time of the year.
Toppings for Pizza Capricciosa
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Artichokes
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Ham (Prosciutto)
Pizza Boscaiola
Boscaiola is a classic Neapolitan pizza topped with Italian sausages and mushrooms. The name Boscaiola comes from the Italian word for woods because the toppings are meant to evoke the flavors of the forest. This pizza is a favorite among Italian food lovers, as it combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of pizza. So if you’re in the mood for something different, give Boscaiola a try.
Toppings for Pizza Boscaiola
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Italian sausage (Salsiccia)
- Mushrooms
- Parsley (optional)
Pizza Frutti di Mare (seafood)
Frutti di mare, which means seafood in Italian, is an Italian favorite that features a variety of seafood toppings. There are many options, but the most common combination is scampi, mussels, or squid, served on a pizza with tomato sauce and no cheese. The only limitation is your imagination! The result is a delicious and unique pizza that is sure to please any seafood lover.
Toppings for Pizza Frutti di Mare
- Tomato sauce
- scampi
- mussels
- squid
Pizza alla Napoletana (anchovy pizza)
The Pizza alla Napoletana is a classic Neapolitan pizza combination typically tipped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and anchovies. Anchovies may sound intimidating to many people, but combined with creamy mozzarella and the flavor of fresh tomato sauce, the salty anchovies make a perfect balance. Pizza alla Napolitana doesn’t taste fishy at all, so even if you’re not a seafood lover, you should give it a try!
Toppings for Pizza alla Napoletana
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Anchovies
Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi (ham and mushrooms)
Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi is a delicious and simple Italian favorite that is sure to please any crowd. The name means ham and mushrooms, which is exactly what you’ll find on the pizza. Combined with creamy, fresh mozzarella. The mushrooms provide an earthy and smoky flavor, while the prosciutto adds a touch of saltiness. Combined with melted mozzarella and a perfectly cooked crust, these toppings make an irresistible combination. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a hearty meal, Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi is sure to hit the spot.
Toppings for Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Prosciutto (dry-cured ham)
- Mushrooms
Pizza Nduja
Pizza ‘Nduja is a less common, but no less delicious pizza topping the spicy, spreadable Italian sausage ‘Nduja. ‘Nduja is packed with both flavor and spice and will give your pizza a kick! It can be hard to come across ‘ Nduja, but you will find it in Italian supermarkets or online (For example at Amazon). If you’re looking for something different on your next pizza night, give Nduja a try!
Toppings for Pizza ‘Nduja
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Nduja (spicy, spreadable sausage)
- Basil (optional)
Pizza Caprese
Pizza Caprese is inspired by the famous Italian salad Caprese. Topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The classic Italian pizza toppings combination creates a pizza that’s both flavorful and refreshing.
Toppings for Pizza Caprese
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- Tomatoes
- Basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
Pizza Mastunicola
The Pizza Mastunicola is not the most common Italian pizza, but one of the oldest and most important. This pizza is considered the first Neapolitan pizza, and dates back to the 1600s, before tomatoes became synonymous with pizza in Italy.
The first time I the Mastunicola, I didn’t expect much. But it has since become one of my favorite pizzas. The combination of rich lard, aromatic herbs, and tangy cheese creates a uniquely satisfying experience.
- Lard
- Pecorino Romano
- Basil
- Black pepper
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