Additional Toppings Recipe

Prepare cheeses

Measure and place shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, and ricotta in separate small bowls so they are ready to sprinkle or dollop on finished items. Keep ricotta chilled until ready to use; use a spoon to add small dollops.

If you want melted, evenly distribute shredded mozzarella and a light sprinkle of Parmesan over the hot base (pizza, pasta, baked dish) during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking to achieve even melting.

Prep vegetables

Rinse and dry all produce. Halve cherry tomatoes if desired. Slice red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and jalapeño thinly so they cook or eat easily as toppings. Roughly chop spinach if leaves are large.

Cook heartier veg (optional)

For toppings that benefit from softening (mushrooms, bell pepper, onions): heat 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add mushrooms and peppers and cook 4–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned; add onions for final 2–3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool slightly before using.

Use fresh herbs (basil, parsley) torn or chopped and add them after cooking/baking to preserve bright flavor and color.

Prepare cooked meats

If using raw proteins, fully cook before adding as a topping. For pre-cooked options: warm crumbled cooked Italian sausage, chopped bacon and shredded rotisserie chicken in a skillet for 1–2 minutes to take the chill off. Drain any excess fat and blot on paper towel.

Lay pepperoni slices evenly across the surface for crisp edges when baking; alternate with other toppings as desired.

Assemble and finish

Arrange desired toppings on your base (pizza crust, flatbread, salad, pasta, baked dish). Start with a base layer (sauce or oil), then cheese, cooked/heartier toppings, then delicate fresh toppings and herbs. Drizzle olive oil or balsamic glaze as appropriate (use balsamic sparingly—about 1 tbs per pizza or serving). Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.

If melting cheese, broil or bake for the last few minutes until cheese is bubbling and lightly golden. After baking, add fresh herbs, ricotta dollops, and a final drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.

Serve immediately so warm toppings retain texture. Provide extra crushed red pepper, grated Parmesan and salt at the table for guests to customize.