Pizza Toppings

Some of you asked about my family's favorite pizza toppings.

Of course there is always the basic tomato sauce with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bacon and olives topped with mozzarella cheese. To be honest, this is are most common pizza at our house. (Well, all but the pepperoni which I refuse to buy.) I make tons of pizza sauce in the summer and sometimes the basic and familiar is just the best.

Often I make a separate pizza for Ed and I where we enjoy caramelized onions, garlic and lots of red and green peppers that make the children turn up their nose.

But beyond the basic tomato sauce and toppings, here are a few more pizza ideas we've enjoyed.

Chicken BB Pizza: Barbeque sauce with cooked chicken and cheddar cheese

Chicken Alfredo Pizza: Alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade) with cooked chicken and mozzarella. Brocolli is also a favorite addition and maybe some chopped fresh tomato for color. This is Ed's favorite pizza.

Ham Swiss Pizza: Cooked ham, sliced swiss, broccoli with just a tiny bit of tomato sauce

Taco Pizza: On a partly baked crust, spread refried beans. Add ground beef cooked in taco seasoning, olives, salsa and cheddar cheese. After baking, add chopped tomatoes and lettuce.

Sloppy Jo Pizza - Ground beef and peppers cooked in barbecue sauce topped with mozzarella cheese.

To be honest, some of these pizzas were discovered accidentally. Often by Saturday pizza night, I'm just trying to clean out the fridge. So I ask what would taco meat taste on pizza, or meatloaf, or (I actually tried it) mashed potatoes? I decided about anything works unless it is a dessert or a soup! (Hmmm....but how about a thick cream of asparagus soup? Garnished with a  little bacon? Might not be bad.)

I didn't even mention using salad dressing such as Ranch with bacon for a BLT. Add the fresh tomato and lettuce after baking.

The ideas really are limitless. There is more than one reason to avoid the lowly pepperoni!

For more ideas check out Tammy's great pizza recipes.

And speaking of dessert pizzas - check out this video on Pizza Quest of a S'mores pizza! Definitely want to try it!

How do you like your pizza?