Popular Pizza Toppings and the Combinations That Work
From pepperoni to pineapple, here is how the most popular pizza toppings work together, plus tips for building a balanced pizza of your own.
Ask ten people for their favourite pizza and you will probably hear ten different answers. Behind those answers, though, is a fairly short list of toppings that show up again and again, and a handful of combinations that just work. Knowing why they work makes it much easier to build a pizza you love, or to try something new with confidence.
Three or four toppings that balance salty, sweet and fresh make the most satisfying pizza.
The Classics Everyone Knows
These toppings are on almost every pizza menu in Canada, and for good reason.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni is consistently one of the most-ordered pizza toppings in North America. It brings salt, a little spice and a satisfying crisp edge as it cooks. It pairs with nearly everything, which makes it a safe choice for groups.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms add an earthy, savoury flavour without overpowering the rest of the pizza. They are a favourite with both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Sausage and ground beef
For a heartier pizza, sausage and ground beef add richness and texture. They are often paired with onions and peppers.
Bacon and ham
Bacon brings smoky, salty crunch, while ham is milder and slightly sweet. Both work well with pineapple and with extra cheese.
Green peppers and onions
These two add freshness, crunch and a little sweetness. They lighten up meat-heavy pizzas and are the backbone of most vegetable pizzas.
Olives
Black and green olives add a briny, salty bite. A few go a long way.
Combinations That Work and Why
The best combinations balance flavours: salty with sweet, rich with fresh, soft with crunchy. Here are some favourites:
| Combination | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni and mushrooms | Salty, spicy pepperoni meets earthy mushrooms. A classic for a reason. |
| Ham and pineapple | Sweet pineapple balances salty ham. Love it or hate it, it is hugely popular. |
| Mushrooms, green peppers, onions and olives | A "garden" mix with crunch, sweetness and a briny finish. |
| Sausage, mushrooms and onions | Rich, savoury and filling, with onions adding sweetness. |
| Pepperoni and hot peppers | For heat lovers: spice on spice, with the cheese keeping it in check. |
| Bacon, ground beef and extra cheese | A cheeseburger-style pizza that feels like comfort food. |
| Chicken, bacon and red onions | Smoky and savoury, especially on a BBQ sauce base. |
A local story: Hawaiian pizza
Ham and pineapple has a connection to this area. Hawaiian pizza is widely credited to Sam Panopoulos, who is said to have first added canned pineapple to a pizza at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, in 1962. That is a short drive from Blenheim, so if you order one, you are eating a little piece of Chatham-Kent food history.
How to Balance Your Toppings
More is not always better. A few simple rules make a big difference:
- Stick to three or four toppings. Beyond that, flavours get muddled and the pizza can become heavy or soggy. At Franko's, pizzas are priced by the number of items (1, 4 or 6), so four is a natural sweet spot.
- Mix textures. Pair soft toppings like mushrooms or ham with something crunchy like peppers or onions.
- Mind the watery ones. Tomatoes, pineapple and lots of fresh vegetables release moisture. Balance them with drier toppings.
- Add cheese if you add a lot. If you love a loaded pizza, double cheese helps hold everything together.
- Think about heat. Hot peppers and chili peppers spread their heat across the whole pizza, so order them only if everyone sharing is happy with spice.
Vegetarian Topping Ideas
Meat-free pizzas can be just as satisfying. Mushrooms and olives bring savoury depth, onions and peppers add sweetness and crunch, and tomatoes add freshness. Feta adds a salty tang. For combination ideas and ordering tips, read our guide to vegetarian pizza ideas.
Creative Ideas From Specialty Pizzas
If your usual order feels a bit routine, a specialty pizza is an easy way to try new flavours. Changing the sauce changes everything:
- Pesto base: the Mediterranean (artichokes, roasted red peppers, red onions, black olives, tomatoes and feta) and Franko's Style (chicken, tomatoes, red onions, green olives and feta).
- BBQ sauce base: the Spicy BBQ Chicken with chicken, hot peppers, red onions and bacon.
- Sweet chili Thai sauce: the Sweet Chili Chicken Thai with chicken, hot peppers, pineapple, onions and bacon.
- Alfredo sauce: the Chicken Alfredo with chicken, mushrooms, onions, bacon and parmesan.
See all seven in the specialty pizza section of our menu.
Toppings at Franko's 12 Buck Pizza
Our fresh topping list includes pepperoni, bacon, ham, mushrooms, sausage, onions, green peppers, ground beef, pineapple, chili peppers, black and green olives, hot peppers, tomatoes and lactose-free cheese. You can also add chicken or feta, double cheese and dipping sauces. Build your own on our menu, or save with a pizza and wing combo from our deals page.
The best way to find your perfect combination is to experiment. Next time you order, keep your favourite and swap one topping for something new.
