If you’re preparing to make a homemade pizza in your oven, then you might be looking for some topping ideas. Instead of going with the American classic of pepperoni or sausage, why not consider going back to the pizza’s traditional roots with classic Italian pizza toppings.
You can be really specific by focus on authentic Neapolitan pizza toppings, or broaden your horizons with other classic Italian pizza toppings.
Not sure which toppings are traditionally used in Italy? Then let us help out with some traditional topping recommendations.
What Are The Authentic Italian Pizza Toppings?
In a hurry and just want a list of all the toppings that you can put in your pizza, just like they do in Italy? Here’s all the ingredients you can top your pizza with like a true Italian:
- Pecorino cheese
- Fresh basil
- Fresh, peeled tomatoes
- Fresh oregano
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian salami
- Tomato Sauce
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Prosciutto/cured ham
- Chillies/peppers
- Anchovies
- Rocket/Arugula
- Olives
- Olive oil
- Black pepper
If you’ve ever had the real deal pizza in Italy, then you know that they use toppings sparingly. So, don’t overload your pizza with any of the above.
Now that you know what some of the most common Italian pizza toppings are, let’s take a closer look at the types of Italian pizzas where you can use these toppings.
Types Of Italian Pizzas & Toppings (Ingredients)
Below we’ll go through a few of the most common types of Italian pizzas and what ingredients and toppings are used to make these pizzas. You can use the info below to make your own authentic Italian style pizza at home.
Pizza Margherita
This right here is probably the #1 most common type of Italian pizza. It’s the most typical Neapolitan pizza.
And the ingredients are so simple, that you can easily make it at home. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza Margherita:
- San Marzano tomatoes
- mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil
- salt
- extra-virgin olive oil
One of the key things that sets apart this pizza is that cow’s milk mozzarella (fior di latte) rather than buffalo mozzarella is used to top it.
Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi
This right here is hands down my favorite type of Italian pizza to eat because it’s basically a ham and mushroom pepper. It is a very common pizza throughout Italy.
And the ingredients are so simple, that you can easily make it at home. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi:
- Prosciutto
- Crimini mushrooms
- Pecorino, parmesan, mozzarella cheese
- tomato sauce
- fresh basil (optional)
- salt
- extra-virgin olive oil
Even if you can’t find the authentic Italian ingredients in your local grocer, a simple ham and mushroom pizza is always delicious.
Pizza Cosacca
The Pizza Cosacca, which is also known as the Cossack pizza, is very similar to the Pizza Margherita. But the key difference between the two is the cheese.
Again, the ingredients are so simple, that you can easily make it at home. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza Cosacca:
- San Marzano tomatoes
- Pecorino or parmesan cheese
- fresh basil
- salt
- extra-virgin olive oil
As you can see, the cheese difference is what gives the Pizza Cosacca it’s great flavor.
Pizza ai Quattro Formaggi
And here have another one of my favorites. It’s hard to go wrong with a cheese pizza, and four cheeses is definitely better than one!
As you might expect, this one is super easy to make at home. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza ai Quattro Formaggi:
- Pecorino, gorgonzola, mozzarella, asiago cheese
- tomato sauce
- fresh basil (optional)
- salt
- extra-virgin olive oil
As you can see, this one takes minimal ingredients but it’s such a tasty indulgence on a Friday night.
Pizza Diavola
Translating into English as the “devil’s pizza,” the Pizza Diavola is not for the faint of heart because it is a bit spicy. You see, pepperoni pizza isn’t really an Italian thing, but there version of it is the Pizza Diavola, featuring sliced spicy Italian salami.
Chili peppers are also often added to this pizza, to give it even more of a spicy kick.
Again, the ingredients are so simple, that you can easily make it at home. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza Diavola:
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian Salami
- Chili peppers
- Fresh Basil (optional)
- Olive oil
You don’t have to use the chili peppers if your salami is spicy enough, but if you can’t find the authentic spicy stuff the chili peppers are a nice addition.
Pizza ‘Nduja
If you’re looking for an authentic Calabrian treat, then you’ve got to give the Pizza ‘Nduja a try. Though, be warned, not everyone ends up being a fan of this one.
Like the Pizza Diavola, this pizza has a spicy kick to it. The spice comes from the ‘njuda, which is a spicy, spreadable pork from Italy.
It can de difficult to find ‘njuda, but if you can find it in your local grocery store it is easy to make this one. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza ‘Nduja:
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- ‘Njuda
- Chili peppers
- Romano pepper
- Olive oil
So, while you might not be able to find all the ingredients, this one is a must-make for spicy pizza enthusiasts.
Pizza Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola
Almost as common as the prosciutto and mushroom pizza is the Pizza Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola, or prosciutto and arugula pizza. Personally, I hate arugula (called rocket in most of the world).
But, if you’re a fan of rocket, then you might really enjoy this one. Here’s the ingredients and toppings for a Pizza Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola:
- Prosciutto
- Arugula (rocket)
- Buffalo mozzarella cheese
- tomato sauce
- fresh basil (optional)
- salt
- extra-virgin olive oil
As you can see, these are simple ingredients that you can easily make at home. It’s basically a pizza margherita with arugula and prosciutto added on top after baking.
Final Thoughts
While these aren’t the only types of Italian pizzas, or the only ingredients that they use as toppings, you’ll discover that these are some of the most common Italian pizza types.
As you’re making your homemade Italian pizza, remember that in Italy they focus on the freshest quality ingredients possible.