One of the most popular pizza toppings, pepperoni, packs a lot of flavor in a convenient, inexpensive package. Which is true of another all-time favorite, Italian sausage. Both are high in fat and sodium.
A simple switch to reduced-fat pepperoni and chicken or turkey Italian sausage can cut hundreds of calories from your pizza. Pepperoni and sausage aren’t the only game in town though. Plenty of cured and uncured meats add lots of flavor without adding a lot of calories. Ham, which is often paired with pineapple, is great with mild cheeses and subtle pizza toppings.
Capicolla and other spicy Italian cold cuts work well with other bold flavors like Kalamata olives, garlic, and roasted red peppers. Prosciutto, the Italian dry-cured ham that’s sliced paper thin, is very good with sautéed onions and Fontina or Gruyere cheese.
Bacon adds a great smoky flavor to pizza. If you can find apple wood-smoked bacon or Vermont cob-smoked bacon, they are especially good. Then cut it into bite-sized pieces or crumble it if it’s crispy. Bacon pairs really nicely with smoked cheeses like smoked Gouda, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms like chanterelles and shitakes, and tomatoes.
Guanciale, made from pigs’ cheeks, has a little stronger flavor and is leaner and more tender. Italian meatballs are a great pizza topping. It works well with traditional pizzas with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Or you can use it for a Mexican pizza with cheddar cheese, green onions, black olives, and jalapenos.
If you’re trying to watch your weight or eat healthy, don’t forget about chicken. Saute fresh chicken strips, use leftover chicken, or buy a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store. One of the most popular pizzas, a barbecue chicken pizza, goes together in a flash. Just use barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce, and add red onion rings, Gouda cheese, cilantro, and chicken. Or substitute hot sauce and add some Gorgonzola crumbles to make a Buffalo chicken pizza.
Shrimp makes a great Greek-style pizza when you combine it with tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and feta cheese. Or pair it with pesto, goat cheese, and pine nuts for a gourmet pie. Most people either love or hate anchovies. When combined with the right ingredients, leftover pork tenderloin, steak, or sausage can all contribute to a great pizza.***