The 10 Best Pizza Toppings and Why They Reign Supreme
When it comes to creating the perfect pizza on your Arteflame grill with the optional pizza oven, the choice of toppings can make all the difference. The Arteflame pizza oven brings the authentic taste of wood-fired pizza, achieving that perfect crisp crust and even cooking that highlights the flavor of each topping. Whether you favor classic or adventurous ingredients, these toppings are sure to enhance your next pizza-making experience. Here's a guide to the 10 best pizza toppings, perfect for your Arteflame pizza oven, and why they continue to reign supreme.
Pepperoni Pizza
1. Pepperoni
Introduction
Pepperoni is the quintessential pizza topping, loved for its slightly spicy, crispy edges that perfectly complement the melty cheese and savory tomato sauce. When cooked in the Arteflame pizza oven, pepperoni’s robust flavor is enhanced, delivering a classic pizza experience that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Fire up your Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
- Cook: Slide the pizza into the preheated pizza oven. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your perfectly crisp pepperoni pizza.
Tips
- For extra crispy pepperoni, consider pre-cooking the slices on the Arteflame griddle before topping your pizza.
- Opt for high-quality, thinly sliced pepperoni for the best flavor and texture.
Mushroom Pizza
2. Mushrooms
Introduction
Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture to your pizza. Their versatility makes them a fantastic choice whether you're crafting a vegetarian pizza or complementing meat toppings. The Arteflame’s even heat distribution ensures your mushrooms cook perfectly, enhancing their natural umami flavor.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Get your Arteflame grill and pizza oven hot. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly spread tomato sauce over the dough, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Mushrooms: Scatter the sliced mushrooms over the cheese.
- Cook: Slide the pizza into the pizza oven and cook for 6-8 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and savor the deep flavors of your mushroom pizza.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, sauté the mushrooms with garlic and butter on the Arteflame griddle before adding them to your pizza.
- Mix different varieties of mushrooms, such as cremini, portobello, and shiitake, for a more complex taste.
Onion Pizza
3. Onions
Introduction
Onions, whether caramelized or raw, bring a sweet and aromatic flavor to pizza that intensifies when cooked in the Arteflame pizza oven. They add a burst of flavor and are incredibly versatile, pairing well with other ingredients like sausage or bell peppers.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Heat up the Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out your pizza dough to the desired thickness.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Onions: Arrange the thinly sliced onions evenly across the cheese.
- Cook: Place the pizza in the pizza oven and bake for 6-8 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the sweet, aromatic flavor of onion pizza.
Tips
- For a sweeter, more intense flavor, caramelize the onions on the Arteflame griddle before adding them to the pizza.
- Pair onions with bell peppers and sausage for a more robust, flavorful pizza.
Sausage Pizza
4. Sausage
Introduction
Italian sausage adds a rich, savory depth to pizza, with its fennel and spice notes complementing the melted cheese and sauce. The Arteflame pizza oven brings out the best in sausage, ensuring even cooking and a perfect, juicy bite.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce over the dough and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Sausage: Evenly sprinkle the cooked, crumbled Italian sausage over the cheese.
- Cook: Bake in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the hearty, flavorful taste of sausage pizza.
Tips
- Use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your flavor preference.
- Add bell peppers and onions for a classic combination.
Bacon Pizza
5. Bacon
Introduction
Bacon brings a smoky, rich flavor to pizza, and its crispy texture adds a delightful contrast to the gooey cheese. When cooked in the Arteflame pizza oven, bacon achieves the perfect balance of crispy and chewy, making for an indulgent and satisfying pizza topping.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Bacon: Evenly distribute the cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese.
- Cook: Bake the pizza in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your crispy bacon pizza.
Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and more intense flavor.
- For a sweet and savory twist, drizzle the pizza with maple syrup just before serving.
Extra Cheese Pizza
6. Extra Cheese
Introduction
For the true cheese lovers, adding extra cheese is a must. It ensures every bite is oozing with gooey, melted goodness. The Arteflame pizza oven crisps the edges of the cheese while keeping the middle perfectly melty, creating a deliciously indulgent pizza.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Extra mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Fire up the Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and top generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Extra Cheese: Add an additional layer of mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.
- Cook: Bake in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Serve: Slice and relish the cheesy perfection.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
- Sprinkle with garlic and herbs for added depth.
Black Olive Pizza
7. Black Olives
Introduction
Black olives bring a unique, briny flavor that adds a Mediterranean touch to pizza. Their slightly salty taste contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce, making them a gourmet addition to any pizza.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Black olives, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Heat up the Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Black Olives: Arrange the sliced black olives evenly over the cheese.
- Cook: Bake in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your briny, flavorful black olive pizza.
Tips
- Combine black olives with feta cheese and spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Add a sprinkle of oregano or rosemary for an authentic flavor boost.
Bell Pepper Pizza
8. Bell Peppers
Introduction
Bell peppers add a sweet, crisp freshness and vibrant color to pizza, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal. The even heat of the Arteflame pizza oven ensures the peppers retain their slight crunch, making them a refreshing and satisfying topping.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Bell peppers, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Bell Peppers: Arrange the thinly sliced bell peppers evenly over the cheese.
- Cook: Bake in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your colorful, flavorful bell pepper pizza.
Tips
- Use a mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers for a more visually appealing and flavorful pizza.
- Pair with sausage or onions for an added layer of flavor.
Pineapple Pizza
9. Pineapple
Introduction
Pineapple is a controversial but beloved topping that brings a sweet, tropical flavor to pizza. When paired with salty ham, it creates a perfect sweet and savory balance that’s hard to resist. The Arteflame pizza oven caramelizes the pineapple slightly, intensifying its sweetness and creating a delicious contrast.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pineapple chunks
- Ham, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Pineapple and Ham: Evenly distribute the pineapple chunks and ham slices over the cheese.
- Cook: Bake in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the sweet and savory harmony of pineapple and ham pizza.
Tips
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Spinach Pizza
10. Spinach
Introduction
Spinach is a fantastic way to add a nutritional boost to your pizza. It wilts perfectly under the heat, blending seamlessly with other toppings and adding a mild, earthy flavor that complements stronger ingredients like garlic and cheese.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Heat up the Arteflame grill and pizza oven. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Spinach: Arrange fresh spinach leaves evenly over the cheese.
- Cook: Bake in the pizza oven for 6-8 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the nutritious, flavorful spinach pizza.
Tips
- Combine spinach with garlic and ricotta for a creamy texture and flavor contrast.
- Drizzle with olive oil before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Arteflame Pizza Dough Recipe
Why These Toppings Are the Best for Arteflame Pizza
These toppings are considered the best because they offer universal appeal, versatility in pairing, and complement the fundamental elements of pizza—sauce and cheese. Whether enjoyed alone or in combination, these ingredients cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that every pizza made in your Arteflame pizza oven is a culinary delight.
From the savory crunch of pepperoni to the sweet burst of pineapple, each topping brings a unique profile that can elevate your pizza from good to extraordinary. The Arteflame pizza oven’s superior heat control and even cooking ensure that every topping shines, creating a pizza experience that’s both delicious and memorable. Next time you fire up your Arteflame grill, consider these top toppings to craft your perfect pizza.
