Homemade Pizza Toppings: Family Favorites from Our Kitchen

Following on from our homemade pizza dough recipe, here are four of our family's go-to pizza toppings. All use simple ingredients and fresh flavors, some in traditional, some in a bit unusual combinations.

Pizza night is a regular weekend tradition in our family, and everyone has their favorite combo! Whether you’re using fresh dough or pre-baked bases from the freezer, these topping ideas are family-approved and easy to adapt.

Prep-ahead recipes used in pizza toppings:

Here are a couple of recipes we are using for the pizza base and caramelized onion. These are easier to prepare ahead, before you invite family or friends, to save you time and stress:

Pizza Toppings: Margherita (Mum’s Favorite)

Simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor - 🍅 Pizza Margherita is a timeless classic, and always Mum’s top pick.

Historical sidenote: In 1889, a local pizzaiolo in Naples made pizza for Queen Margherita. A pizza in Italian flag colors, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, was deemed worthy of the royal visitor and got the Queen's approval - and thus the Margherita pizza was born!

You’ll need:

• Minced garlic mixed with a little olive oil and salt
• Your favorite pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh tomato slices
• Fresh basil leaves (added after baking)

To assemble:
Brush the (prebaked) pizza base (we use our homemade pizza dough) with the garlic-oil mix. Then spread the pizza sauce and top with mozzarella and tomato slices. Bake at 430°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Add fresh basil leaves after baking for that signature fragrant finish.

This one’s a perfect introduction to classic pizza toppings - simple, satisfying, and endlessly delicious.

Pizza Toppings: Prosciutto and Rocket (Dad’s Favorite)

This pizza combines savory prosciutto with peppery greens - a simple but sophisticated flavor pairing Dad always requests.

You’ll need:

• Minced garlic mixed with a little olive oil and salt
• Pizza sauce
• Thin prosciutto slices (added after baking)
• Arugula (rocket) leaves (added after baking)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

To assemble:
Spread the garlic oil and pizza sauce on your (prebaked) pizza base, then bake for 10-15 minutes at 430°F (220°C).

Once it’s out of the oven, top with prosciutto, arugula (rocket), and a little Parmesan if you like. By the time you cut the pizza into pieces, the thin slices of meat will partially bake on the hot pizza.

This one proves that pizza toppings don’t have to be complicated - just a few good ingredients, layered right.

Pizza Toppings: BBQ Chicken (Kids’ Favorite)

Smoky, sweet, cheesy, and just a little messy - this pizza is always a hit with the kids. It’s also a great way to use up grilled chicken leftovers.

You’ll need:

• Minced garlic mixed with a little olive oil and salt
• A mix of pizza sauce and BBQ sauce
• Caramelized onions (see our caramelized onion recipe here)
• Grilled chicken (sliced or shredded)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or arugula (rocket) leaves (added after baking)

To assemble:
Start with the garlic oil and BBQ-tomato sauce mix on your (prebaked) pizza base. Then add caramelized onions, topped up with chicken, and cheese.

Bake for 10–15 minutes at 430°F (220°C). After baking, scatter fresh arugula or basil on top for some color and extra flavor.

It's one of our favorite kid-approved pizza toppings, packed with bold flavor and melty cheese.

Pizza Toppings: Pear and Blue Cheese (Dessert Pizza)

A sweet and savory twist for when you want something a little different. This pear and blue cheese pizza is our favorite "dessert pizza" to wrap the pizza night. It pairs well with a glass of wine for the nice, relaxed finale.

You’ll need:

• Caramelized onions (use our easy caramelized onions recipe)
• Ripe pear, thinly sliced
• Ripe blue cheese, crumbled
• Arugula (rocket) leaves (added after baking)

To assemble:
Top your base with caramelized onions, pear slices, and blue cheese. Bake at 430°F (220°C) until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted - around 10-15 minutes. Add an arugula after baking for a fresh bite.

Don’t overlook fruit when it comes to pizza toppings - this one’s proof that a little sweetness can go a long way.

Pizza Toppings: Wood-Fired Meatball Pizza

For a hearty and satisfying homemade pizza, try our Wood-Fired Meatball Pizza. Packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe brings a smoky, rustic vibe straight to your table.

It’s a delicious pizza with bold, comforting flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. We have a full article on how to prepare it here:

Enjoy Your Homemade Pizza Creations

Whether you prefer classic flavors or are trying something new, homemade pizza is about having fun and making a topping you love. You can mix, match, and make every pizza night a little different with a good dough base and a few simple pizza toppings. Don’t forget to check out our pizza dough and caramelized onion recipes to get started - and enjoy the process as much as the results.

Happy 🍕 pizza baking!