Best Pizza Toppings Recipe: Ultimate Combination for Flavor
Introduction
The secret to an amazing pizza isn’t just in the dough or the sauce—it’s all about the perfect balance of toppings. This ultimate pizza topping combination brings together savory, sweet, and spicy elements for the best homemade pizza experience. We’re using a classic base of mozzarella, but feel free to mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste. Ready to build your ultimate pizza? Let’s fire up the Arteflame!
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (tomato-based)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6-8 slices of pepperoni
- 1/2 cup crumbled Italian sausage (cooked)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Arteflame Grill (or Oven)
Fire up your Arteflame grill by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil, placing them under the firewood, and lighting it up. Let the grill heat for 20 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, make it thinner. For a chewier bite, roll it a bit thicker. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel (or a flat surface with parchment paper).
3. Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, distributing evenly.
4. Add the Toppings
Layer the pepperoni slices and crumbled Italian sausage over the cheese. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions, black olives, and mushrooms across the pizza. Finally, place roasted red pepper strips on top for a smoky, sweet flavor.
5. Brush with Olive Oil
Lightly brush the edges of the pizza crust with olive oil to create a golden, crispy crust when baked or grilled.
6. Cook the Pizza
For Arteflame Grill: Use the optional pizza oven attachment or cook the pizza directly on the flat cooktop over medium heat. Rotate occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top, and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips
- Add Fresh Toppings After Cooking: Basil and other fresh herbs wilt quickly, so add them after the pizza comes off the heat for the best flavor.
- Customize Your Crust: Brushing olive oil on the crust before baking adds a beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
- Meatless Option: Leave off the pepperoni and sausage for a delicious veggie pizza, or add artichokes and zucchini for extra freshness.
Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Replace the pizza sauce with buffalo sauce, top with shredded chicken, red onions, and drizzle with ranch dressing.
- Margherita Pizza: Keep it classic with just tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a simple, delicious pizza.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Add pineapple and ham for a sweet and savory twist.
- White Pizza: Swap out tomato sauce for a ricotta and garlic base, then top with spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella.
Best Pairings
- A fresh Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Garlic bread or breadsticks with marinara dipping sauce
- A cold, crisp lager or pale ale
- Tiramisu or cannoli for dessert
