Buzz
Pizza’s origins can be traced back to a 10th-century manuscript from Lazio, Italy, with its modern form originating in Naples. Today, the global pizza industry generates approximately $128 billion annually, with the United States accounting for a third of that revenue. Pizzerias often stand out by offering unique and unconventional toppings.
The first U.S. pizzeria, Lombardi’s, opened in New York City in 1905. Since then, Americans have embraced creativity, going beyond the divisive pineapple debate to explore even more unconventional toppings. Here’s a list of ten of the most bizarre pizza toppings available today.
10. Banana and Cheese
For those who love the combination of sweet and savory, this pizza is a must-try. A beloved choice in Brazil, banana and cheese pizza typically features mozzarella topped with banana slices. Some variations include chocolate cream and cinnamon for an added layer of richness and texture.
If you’re looking to spark a heated debate among pizza traditionalists, asking for pineapple might do the trick. While I typically enjoy dessert after my pizza, combining the two can be a time-saving indulgence.
9. Prawns, Trout, Caviar, and More!
Steveston Pizza Co, located in Richmond, British Columbia, boldly declares on their website:
“Our mission is to challenge conventional ideas about pizza and turn every bite into a gourmet adventure. We aim to make every pizza experience unforgettable.”
The experience is indeed unforgettable, especially if you splurge $850 on their See Nay pizza. This 12-inch masterpiece is not meant for sharing, featuring tiger prawns, smoked steelhead trout, lobster ratatouille, Russian caviar, and Italian white truffles. The truffles alone, priced at thousands of dollars per kilogram, make this a luxurious treat.
Rest assured, the See Nay pizza isn’t something you can impulsively order after a few drinks—it requires a day’s notice for preparation. However, the restaurant offers more budget-friendly options. While pizza is typically an affordable meal for many, spending $850 might be a bit of a stretch for most families.
8. Chili Cheese Fritos
While Milwaukee is renowned for its beer, it also boasts the unique Chili Cheese Frito pizza from Ian’s Pizza by the Slice. This crunchy topping isn’t something I’d typically think of, but after a lively Friday night, it’s definitely worth a try.
At Ian’s, they layer beef chili generously over the crust, followed by onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Fritos. This combination epitomizes American creativity, much like the glazed doughnut cheeseburger. Just keep some napkins nearby—it’s bound to get messy.
7. Call of the Wild
Alaska is a land of breathtaking beauty, untamed wilderness, and vast expanses. As the largest state in the U.S., it is home to fewer than 750,000 residents, with about 40% residing in Anchorage. Alaskans are known for their self-reliance and resilience in the face of the state’s challenging environment, qualities that are reflected in their culinary preferences.
Anchorage’s slogan, “Big Wild Life,” perfectly captures the spirit of Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria. This eatery offers a robust and diverse menu, featuring a range of dishes, including their signature Call of the Wild pizza.
While the toppings on this pizza might seem unusual to those outside Alaska, they are undeniably hearty. The crust is loaded with bacon, steak, portobello and crimini mushrooms, garlic cream sauce, and reindeer sausage. It’s a meal best suited for the adventurous and those with a hearty appetite. Reindeer meat is a staple in northern regions, so perhaps it’s not as strange as it sounds.
6. Italian Mix
Pizzanista! in Los Angeles has been serving customers since 2010. Founded by a well-known skateboarder (fitting for L.A.), this popular spot is expanding to new locations. Their website highlights what sets Pizzanista! apart from the rest.
“Pizzanista! is a family-run establishment that prides itself on crafting traditional hand-tossed pizza dough daily, using a 200-year-old sourdough culture imported from Naples…”
This commitment to tradition will surely impress any Italian, ensuring them that authentic culinary practices thrive in California. However, they might be surprised to learn that Sundays at Pizzanista! are famous for their Macaroni and Cheese pizza. It’s a unique twist that blends Italian heritage with American comfort food.
While Pizzanista! isn’t the only place to serve this unconventional pairing, it certainly pushes the boundaries of fusion cuisine. Macaroni and cheese, typically a standalone dish, becomes a bold topping here. But if it’s a hit with customers, who can argue with success?
5. Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli
New Haven, Connecticut, is home to numerous exceptional pizzerias, including BAR, a nightclub that serves freshly brewed beer and features a dance floor. Recognizing the need for hearty snacks to accompany drinks and dancing, BAR has installed a pizza oven to satisfy its patrons. It’s a genius concept that deserves wider adoption!
One option that doesn’t appeal to me is the Mashed Potato and Bacon Pie. While I understand the reasoning—mashed potatoes can soak up beer and line the stomach—it’s hard to imagine them as a pizza topping. BAR also serves a breakfast-inspired pizza with bacon, egg, and hot peppers. But the real standout is their chicken and broccoli pizza, which feels like an odd choice for such a beloved dish.
4. Cheese ‘n’ Chickpeas
Argentina, though primarily Spanish-speaking, has deep Italian roots. Many Italians migrated to Argentina to escape war and economic hardship, bringing their culture, language, and cuisine with them. Fainá, a chickpea pancake from Genoa, Italy, is a favorite in Argentina. Güerrin in Buenos Aires pays homage to this heritage by offering fainá as a pizza topping.
You can either add fainá to a regular pizza or cover the entire pizza with it. Enthusiasts claim the pancake’s creamy texture balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and complements the cheese perfectly. While it may sound unusual, the restaurant sells over 600 portions of fainá daily, proving its popularity. I’m curious if this unique combination has made its way to the U.S.
3. Oh, My Omaha
The Pitch Pizzeria in Omaha, Nebraska, earns high praise on Tripadvisor for its creative and diverse menu. Their website emphasizes this commitment to innovation:
“Every week, our chef introduces unique, never-before-seen culinary creations as the weekly special.”
However, the constant push for novelty doesn’t always yield perfect results. One of their pizzas features an unusual combination of pistachios, shrimp, and plum sauce. Yes, plums. Other experimental toppings include marsala fig sauce, pears, and truffle oil.
These pairings are so unconventional that they leave me wondering: do they truly belong on a pizza, or are they just attempts at being different? We’ve certainly moved far beyond the classic Margherita. For now, I’ll stick to marinara and mozzarella, but adventurous pizza lovers, feel free to dive in.
2. Breakfast in Chicago
At Dimo’s Pizza in Chicago, you can try the Breakfast of Champions pizza, which truly earns its name. Topped with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and fries on a white sauce base, it’s garnished with green onions and spicy mayo. While it’s a hearty breakfast option, the idea of placing it on a pizza crust might leave some puzzled.
Chicago, a city with deep Italian roots, is packed with pizzerias. To stand out, restaurants often innovate with toppings while still offering classic favorites. Dimo’s strikes this balance with a diverse menu. However, creations like the Breakfast of Champions might be more about grabbing attention than becoming a staple.
1. Lemon Yogurt and Mango Chutney
Pizza by Elizabeths in Greenville, Delaware, offers a sophisticated dining experience with dishes like artichoke and crab dip, curried pecan salads, and even tandoori pizza. Tandoori, an Indian dish featuring yogurt-marinated chicken, brings bold flavors like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the pizza, which acts as a substitute for traditional Indian bread.
The restaurant takes it further with toppings like lemon tahini yogurt and mango chutney. Other unique options include pesto, rosemary onion, and green olive sauces. Be sure your palate is ready for such elegance, or you might find yourself craving a simpler slice elsewhere.
