Toppings Recipe

Select and spread

Choose one or a combination of base sauces (tomato sauce, pesto, or garlic butter). Warm the selected sauce slightly if cold. Using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula, spread an even, thin layer of the sauce over the dough or base surface, leaving a 1/2-inch rim if applicable.

Layer cheeses

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauced base, leaving small gaps for other toppings. Scatter grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella for nuttiness. If using ricotta, drop small spoonfuls (dollops) spaced across the surface. Add crumbled feta in areas where you want a tangy punch.

Prepare vegetables

If not already sliced, thinly slice red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and halve cherry tomatoes. Pat wet vegetables dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.

Arrange vegetables

Distribute vegetables and fruits evenly over the cheese layer: place mushrooms and bell peppers where you want concentrated flavor, scatter cherry tomato halves cut-side up, add spinach leaves in small clusters so they wilt evenly, and place pineapple or roasted red peppers sparingly to avoid overpowering other toppings.

Prepare proteins

If using raw sausage, cook completely before crumbling. Slice pepperoni if not pre-sliced. Shred or dice cooked chicken. Tear prosciutto into pieces.

Top with proteins

Scatter cooked sausage crumbles and shredded chicken evenly. Lay pepperoni slices in a single layer to crisp evenly. Add prosciutto after partial cooking (if using on a pizza) or before finishing for a delicate crisp.

Season and oil

Drizzle olive oil lightly over the assembled toppings to promote browning and flavor. Sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly.

Bake or finish

If assembling on a pizza or flatbread: preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) or as specified for your base. Bake until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling (about 8–12 minutes depending on oven and thickness). If adding delicate toppings like prosciutto or fresh basil, add them in the last 1–2 minutes of baking or immediately after removing from oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Add fresh finishes

After baking, tear and scatter fresh basil and sprinkle fresh oregano. Drizzle balsamic glaze over designated sections for sweet acidity. Serve immediately.