Spending 9 days in Italy has given me insight into why everyone should get on the thin-crust, brick-oven, pie as big as your face (rather than a measly slice) pizza-making bandwagon ASAP. America, we desperately need to step up our pizza game. And even more urgently, we need to think bigger and more creatively when it comes to pizza toppings.
Sick and tired of the same old pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, peppers and onions? So are we. But luckily, we’ve got the Italians to teach us their ways.
1. Burrata
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Because mozzarella is a little too basic, try its sister, burrata. It’s lighter, softer and more flavorful, and it’s made from mozzarella and cream. A fresh pie topped with this fresh and buttery cheese, bursting cherry tomatoes and arugula, is the magnificent love-child of salad and pizza.
Where to get it: Fuoco Matto Via Ventisette Aprile, 16, 50129 Florence, Italy
2. Truffle (buffalo mozzarella, trufato)
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This creamy, savory topping wraps around your tastebuds, covering them with richness and decadence. You won’t regret forgoing the classic tomato sauce for this thicker, more flavorful gem. Truffle upgrades the flavor of any food instantly, and while you’d expect something that sounds that fancy to break the bank, in Italy, it’s surprisingly affordable at anywhere between 9-16 euros.
Where to get it: Da Francesco Piazza del Fico, 29, 00186 Roma, Itálie
3. Eggplant (tomato, mozzarella, melanzana)
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This topping feels healthier due to the veggie addition and tastes just as delicious. The eggplant melts in your mouth and its soft and rich texture upgrades the regular cheese and tomato sauce option, while still keeping a more classic flavor. It’s perfect for those who want to venture out of their pizza comfort zone without changing things up too drastically.
Where to get it: Taberna Piscinula Pizzeria Piazza in Piscinula, 50, 00153 Roma, Itálie
4. Pizzarium Toppings
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Rome’s famous Pizzarium gets its own special place on this list in honor of its ability to top pizza with anything known to man. Popular choices include prosciutto and mozzarella, ricotta cheese and arugula, potato, squash, peas, asparagus, tuna and more. Here, pizza is cut with scissors and weighed by the kilo. And if you’re still hungry, try the suppli (risotto balls stuffed with beef, cheese, potato or spaghetti).
Where to get it: Pizzarium Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma, Itálie
5. Pumpkin & Prosciutto (crema di zucca, pancetta e provola)
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This pizza’s smooth, slightly sweet pumpkin sauce is the nectar of the pizza-making gods and pairs surprisingly perfectly with Italy’s go-to choice of meat: smoky, lightly salted, tender prosciutto.
Where to get it: Pinsere Via Flavia, 98, Roma, Itálie
6. Four Cheese with Blue Cheese, Pear, Walnut & Honey (4 formaggi, pere, noci e miele)
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Forget everything you know about four cheese pizza and try this sweet, piquant flavor combining the best of classic fruit, cheese and honey pairings. The drizzled honey and creamy cheese is balanced by the sharp flavor of walnuts and blue cheese for unbeatable flavor.
Where to get it: Pinsere Via Flavia, 98, Roma, Itálie
7. Tuscan Sausage
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Want to add a little kick to your pizza? This meaty topping is just a tiny hint spicy. Pair it with a creamy white cheese base, and every bite will leave you with an inclination to move to Tuscany.
Where to get it: Mercato Centrale Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze, Itálie
8. Trapizzino
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Don’t be fooled by presentation; these “Hot Pocket”-style mini pizzas taste just as magnificent as the real deal. The dough is crispy and seasoned to perfection, while the fillings aren’t your average cheese and pepperoni. The aubergines parmigiana flavor (parmigiana di melanzane) tastes like a creamier version of pizza loaded with grilled veggies.
Feeling more adventurous? For a completely different tangy, cold-cut vibe go for the veal tongue with green pesto-like sauce (lingua di salsa verde). It’s delicious and flavorful, I swear.
Where to get it: Via Giovanni Branca, 88, 00153 Roma, Itálie
Photo by Jessica Fedin
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