We Americans love our pizza, so it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of debate on what makes the perfect list of toppings. However, while taste is subjective, there are definitely certain ingredients that stand out above the rest. If you’re a hardcore pizza connoisseur, you’re sure to find some of your go-to’s on this list of America’s 18 favorite pizza toppings.
Pepperoni
According to YouGov, pepperoni reigns supreme as America’s favorite pizza topping, with a whopping 24% of the total vote. People love its meaty, salty, and slightly spicy flavor, and it works well with many other toppings and cheeses.
Sausage
Coming in at a respectable second place with 13% of the vote is sausage—a classic fave among meat lovers. It’s a staple ingredient in “meat lover’s” pizzas and comes in a wide variety of forms and flavors, including spicy, sweet, and Italian sausage.
Extra Cheese
Cheese is a delicious, gooey staple of almost every pizza, so it’s no surprise that extra cheese is one of the most popular toppings. There are also a wide variety of cheeses to choose from, including mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and cheddar.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, offering an earthy flavor and versatility that complements many other types of toppings. They pair especially well with ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, and sausages.
Chicken
A recent survey revealed that chicken was America’s fifth favorite pizza topping. Chicken is a tasty, versatile ingredient popular in many dishes, and pizza is no exception. It can be grilled or roasted and pairs nicely with many sauces and toppings, including barbecue and buffalo sauce.
Pineapple
That’s right—we’re getting controversial already. Pineapple and ham are the stars of Hawaiian pizza, which is a contentious favorite of many Americans. While it’s not for some, many people love the sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple and how well it pairs with savory meats.
Bacon
Americans love bacon in many dishes, including pizza. It brings a crispy texture and smoky flavor that many of us find simply irresistible. It’s commonly paired with pineapple for the popular contrast between sweet and salty flavors.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are one of the most popular veggie-based toppings, adding a slight sweet tanginess that goes nicely with many other toppings. As well as having a tasty flavor and crispy texture, bell peppers are appreciated for the visual flair they add to pizza, with red, yellow, orange, and green varieties.
Onions
Onions are a popular topping choice for their sweet yet sharp flavor, which enhances almost any type of pizza. They can be used both raw and cooked or caramelized, adding even more versatility in flavor and texture.
Black Olives
Olives can be somewhat controversial when it comes to taste, but many people love them for their distinctive, briny flavor. What’s more, according to Healthline, black olives also come with a variety of health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins, and are good for the heart.
Spinach
Speaking of healthy toppings, spinach is at the top of the list for those looking for “healthier” pizza options. It offers a wide variety of health benefits and a good amount of iron and plant-based protein for the vegetarians and vegans among us.
Ham
As we mentioned earlier, ham is half of the classic duo that makes up Hawaiian pizza. Many people find that it pairs perfectly with the sweet tanginess of pineapple, while others prefer it with cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella.
Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its ability to enhance the flavor of many dishes with its aromatic qualities. This also makes it a popular choice on American pizzas, pairing very well with toppings such as spinach, broccoli, and onions.
Anchovies
While they can be controversial, anchovies offer a distinctive, salty, umami flavor that can go very well with tomato sauces and olives. While some people find the taste too overpowering, others love the boldness of flavor.
Artichokes
Artichokes are a popular choice on vegetarian and Mediterranean pizzas, pairing nicely with spinach, olives, and feta cheese. They have a subtle, nutty flavor and soft texture that adds a gourmet touch to many traditional pizzas.
Ground Beef
Ground beef adds a meaty, hearty flavor to pizza that can almost make it feel like a cheeseburger at times. It complements other toppings such as onions, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese very well and is popular on both taco pizza and classic meat pizzas.
Jalapeños
Jalapeños make a great choice for the spice lovers out there, adding a spicy kick that goes nicely with meats such as sausage and chicken. According to Healthline, these little peppers also provide a healthy dose of vitamins C, B6, A, and K.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a popular topping choice thanks to its creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor. It can either be spread as a base layer or dolloped on top of pizzas, making it a versatile option for cheese enthusiasts.
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