What Goes with Pepperoni on Pizza? (15 Tasty Toppings)

Pepperoni is one of the most popular pizza toppings for a reason: it’s delicious!

But what are the best toppings to pair with pepperoni on your pizza?

There are many toppings that go great with pepperoni on pizza, such as sausage, ham, bacon, chicken, beef, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, and cheese. For a sweeter pizza, you can add pineapple or honey.

But there are many more!

In this article, I’ll go over 15 of the best toppings to pair with pepperoni on pizza.

What Goes with Pepperoni on Pizza?

Choosing the right toppings for your pizza is a delicate balance.

You want to have a variety of flavors and textures, but you don’t want to overwhelm the taste buds.

Here are 15 great toppings to try with pepperoni on your next pizza:

1. Sausage

Some are spicy while others are mild, but all sausage toppings for pizza add a delicious depth of flavor.

Sausage is a classic topping for pepperoni pizza, and for good reason.

The two meats complement each other perfectly.

The fat from the sausage adds a richness to the pizza, while the spices add an extra kick.

Sausage is also a great way to add some extra protein to your pizza.

If you’re looking for a heartier pizza, sausage is the way to go.

2. Bacon

Bacon has 3 of the five basic tastes — salty, umami and sweet — which makes it a natural fit for pizza.

The smokiness of bacon also pairs well with the savory flavor of pepperoni.

And, of course, bacon is always a welcome addition to any dish!

When it comes to texture, bacon adds a nice crunch to pizza.

It also helps to balance out the grease from the pepperoni.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to upgrade your pepperoni pizza, add some bacon!

3. Ham

Ham has a slight, underlying sweetness that pairs well with the savoriness of pepperoni.

It also has a bit of a chewy texture, which contrasts well with the crispy crust of pizza.

Ham is a great topping for those who like a bit of everything on their pizza.

It’s also a good option for those who are looking for a leaner meat topping, as ham is lower in fat than pepperoni.

4. Ground Beef

Ground beef has a unique mixture of fat and umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory pepperoni on pizza.

The beef also adds a bit of texture to the pizza, making each bite more interesting.

If you are looking for a topping that will take your pizza to the next level, ground beef is the way to go.

5. Chicken

If you’re looking for a healthy topping to add to your recipe, look no further than chicken.

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and it pairs well with the slightly spicy flavor of pepperoni.

The chicken will also add a bit of texture to your pizza, making it more filling and satisfying.

6. Mushrooms

Mushrooms generally taste a bit earthy, with a slightly nutty flavor.

They also have a bit of a chewy texture, which pairs well with the crispy crust of a pizza.

Mushrooms are also quite healthy, as they are low in calories and fat but high in fiber and nutrients.

When it comes to pizza toppings, mushrooms are a great option for those who want something other than just plain pepperoni.

Mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite way to prepare them.

You can also add other toppings to your pizza along with the mushrooms, such as onions, peppers, or olives.

7. Onion

Onions are amazing for adding extra flavor to any recipe, and they are no exception when it comes to pizza.

When used as a topping, onions add a sweetness that helps to balance out the spice of the pepperoni.

They also add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the dough and the melted cheese.

8. Jalapeño

If you like your pizza a little on the spicier side, then jalapeño is the perfect topping for you.

The heat from the jalapeño will perfectly complement the pepperoni, and it will also add a bit of crunch to your pizza.

The jalapeño will also add a bit of acidity to the pizza, which will help to cut through the richness of the cheese.

9. Olives

There are quite a few different olives you can choose from to top your pizza with, each with their own unique flavor.

Kalamata olives are a common choice, as they have a rich, almost meaty flavor.

Green olives are another option, and they tend to be more mild in flavor.

Olives also add a nice texture to the pizza, giving it a bit of a bite.

10. Pineapple

Not everybody is fan of pineapple on pizza, but those who are love the sweetness and acidity that it adds to the dish.

When paired with pepperoni, pineapple creates a flavor profile that is both sweet and savory.

The texture of pineapple also helps to offset the richness of the pepperoni.

11. Tomato

The classic sweet-sour taste of tomato sauce is the perfect complement to the savory, slightly spicy flavor of pepperoni.

The sauce also helps to keep the pepperoni from drying out and becoming chewy.

The sauce itself is fairly simple to make, and only requires a few ingredients.

To make a classic tomato sauce, simply simmer tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs in a pan until the tomatoes are broken down and the sauce is thickened.

This sauce can be used on any type of pizza, but is especially good with pepperoni.

12. Spinach

Why not add some beautiful green color to your next pizza night with some spinach?

This leafy green vegetable is not only healthy, but it also pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of pepperoni.

The texture of spinach is slightly chewy, which contrasts nicely with the crispy crust of the pizza.

Plus, spinach is packed with nutrients.

So go ahead and load up your next pizza with this delicious and nutritious topping.

13. Artichoke Hearts

You can prepare artichoke hearts in many ways, but for pizza, it’s best to keep them simple.

Sliced or whole artichoke hearts can be added to pizza along with the pepperoni.

If using whole artichoke hearts, be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the pizza.

You can also add a bit of garlic or shallot for extra flavor.

This topping is perfect for a date night in or a casual gathering with friends.

14. Garlic

Garlic is the superhero of the pizza world.

Its pungent flavor is the perfect complement to the savory pepperoni.

And it’s not just the flavor that makes garlic a great topping for pepperoni pizza.

You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder on your pizza.

If you’re using fresh garlic, simply mince a few cloves and sprinkle them over your pizza before baking.

If you’re using garlic powder, simply sprinkle it on like you would any other seasoning.

Garlic powder is a bit more potent than fresh garlic, so you’ll want to use less of it.

This kind of pizza is perfect for a casual night in with friends or family.

15. Cheese

There are tons of cheeses that go great with pepperoni on pizza, so it really depends on your personal preference.

You could go with a classic mozzarella, or try something a little bit different like provolone or Parmesan.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use a goat cheese or blue cheese.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a cheese for your pizza.

As for occasions, this kind of pizza is perfect for a casual get-together with friends or family.

It’s also a great option for kids’ parties or sleepovers.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you could try making mini pizzas and serving them as appetizers.