One of the best things about making your own pizza is choosing the toppings. You can go for a traditional pizza like cheese or pepperoni, or you can go completely wild and try something you’ve never put on a pizza before.
For example, think of all the amazing options when you make a vegetarian pizza. You have all the normal choices like onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives, but you can also try something unusual. Slip in some fresh peas, thinly sliced squash or eggplant. Add some caramelized onion, roasted veggies and garlic for a delicious variation. Go on, be daring!
With all the different types of pizza you can make, your choice of toppings is unlimited. Obviously a thin crust pizza would need toppings that are not in danger of sliding off, while a thick deep dish pizza could handle a wider variety of flavorful additions.
In the early history of pizza, toppings were simple and limited. You may have gotten only tomatoes, or a Pizza Marghareta with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. The latter is named for Italian royalty and the toppings were chosen because they showed the colors of the Italian flag. If you’re not sure what to put on your pizza, use a theme. It is an age-old concept that works.
Cheese lets you truly create a masterpiece. Don’t settle for a single variety. Mix many different cheeses to add depth as they melt together. For example, for a traditional pizza, you may enjoy the flavors of mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and smoked gouda. If you want to broaden your horizons, think about goat cheese or adding the unique flavor of a blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Stilton. Cheese will set off the flavors of other ingredients.
Why not try some nuts on your pizza? Crunchy almonds, peanuts, cashews and pine nuts can all add a new dimension to your average, everyday pizza. Think about the ingredients you’ve already chosen and choose nuts that complement them. For example, pecans may go well with a gourmet pizza featuring flavors from the American South.
Some people have taken pizza to a whole new level by making it into dessert. A fruit pizza recipe makes a terrific dessert using the fresh seasonal fruits that are available. Bake a simple crust from sugar cookie dough and spread it with cream cheese. Add your fruit. You could even top it off with whipped cream or serve it with ice cream. Fruit also works on regular pizzas. Pineapple is often added; why not try some peaches or other fruit that bakes well?
Even traditional meat eaters can make something more of their pizza toppings. Think past pepperoni and sausage. Imagine a delicious venison pizza, or perhaps one with roasted duck breast. Try topping a pizza with some of your other favorite recipes like buffalo chicken or pot roast. Seafood pizzas are not common in most restaurants. You can easily make one with smoked salmon or tuna. Add shrimp, oysters or crab and serve it up as a new gourmet experience. Use a compatible sauce. If you can’t think of one, drizzle some oil over the top or sprinkle it with a bit of cheese. Throw all the rules out the window when you make your own pizza.
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