Add Toppings Recipe

Prepare base

Have your base ready and slightly warm: a baked 12-inch pizza or flatbread just out of the oven, or a warm bowl (pasta, grain bowl, salad, or soup). If using a pizza/flatbread, brush the surface lightly with 1 tsp olive oil to help toppings adhere.

Spread sauce

If using tomato sauce or marinara, spoon and spread 1/2 cup evenly across the pizza or flatbread leaving a 1/2-inch rim. For bowls, dollop sauce or a spoonful of ricotta where desired.

Add melted cheese

Evenly scatter 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the sauced surface. If assembling a bowl or salad, sprinkle cheese or add dollops of ricotta/feta where you want creamy pockets.

Distribute proteins evenly: place 12 slices of pepperoni or sausage across the surface, or scatter 1 cup cooked shredded chicken in bite-size portions. If using tuna/anchovies, dot small amounts (about 2 oz) spaced around the base for balanced flavor.

Layer vegetables and fruit: scatter 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes in an even pattern. Add pineapple tidbits sparingly (1/4 cup) if using. For delicate items (sliced avocado), add after baking or just before serving so they don’t brown or overcook.

Before final bake (if applicable), sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts and 2 tbsp chopped parsley/cilantro. After baking, tear and scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and sprinkle 1 tsp red pepper flakes to finish.

Lightly season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper across the assembled toppings. Drizzle remaining 1 tsp olive oil evenly over the top. Optionally finish with 1 tbsp balsamic glaze and 1 tsp hot sauce or chili oil to taste.

If assembling on pizza or flatbread and you want melted cheese and roasted veggies, bake at 475°F (245°C) for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden. For bowls or salads, serve immediately after final drizzles and herbs are added. Let pizza rest 2–3 minutes before slicing to keep toppings in place.