Here are my favourite pizza toppings. I have mostly looked at what my favourite pizza places do and copy them. Why not.

I don’t have photo’s for all of them, because sadly, they usually don’t sit around long enough to have a photo shoot (especially if Dad’s around – you have to be in quick or you go hungry). Some people might think I am a tad hard on my Dad, but I tell no lie. He usually takes half of the pizza, and if there are 15 people at the party, it’s warfare.

We have tried heaps of different things, and on some occasions, let our friends loose in the kitchen. Some pizzas are amazing, and some are so-so. Here are the ones I think are the biggest success.

Sauce

With sauce, I go for the easy option of buying a organic pasta sauce base. Equally, you can make your own here. Occasionally I will use a puree, add some finely chopped herbs from the garden, some onion, garlic etc.

Bresaola/Pancetta & tomato

This pizza is the simplest, and is simply delicious. Thanks to La Casalinga (in Camberwell) for having it on their menu. Their finesse in picking flavours that work is much appreciated. Whenever we make this pizza, it goes. The uncooked tomato gives this pizza a different and refreshing twist, and really makes you appreciate the flavour of a beautiful tomato.

• Tomato sauce
• Bresaola is air-dried beef (scotch fillet) that is very thinly sliced. Equally thinly sliced pancetta works well here
• Mozzarella

After the pizza is cooked top it with:

• Finely chopped Roma tomatoes
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Season with cracked sea salt/pepper

Ragin’ cajin

This pizza is just a new topping to our favourites, and it is a real winner. A little more spicy, and very flavorsome. Thanks to Gerringong Pizza (NSW) for the great idea.

• Tomato sauce with some cajun spice mix added (spice mix of chilli, salt, celery, mustard, thyme, pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, tarragon, parsley)
• Marinade some chicken in cajun spices, and then pre-cook the chicken (you can use mushrooms if you want a vegetarian alternative)
• Pepperoni (optional)
• Freshly chopped Coriander all over the pizza (essential)
• Mozzarella

Tandoori chicken pizza

This pizza is also highly popular, and topped with yoghurt and rocket, it makes for a refreshing change. When my vego sister comes over I just add tandoori marinaded mushrooms and a gluten-free base and she is all over this stuff like a rash.

• Tomato sauce with some tandoori spice mix added (paprika, tumeric, garam masala, garlic, ginger, cardamon, salt, pepper, chilli)
• Marinade some chicken (or mushrooms) in tandoori spices, mixed with yoghurt, olive oil, and tomato paste, and then pre-cook the chicken
• Red onion – pre-cooked
• Mozzarella
• Freshly chopped Coriander (everywhere)

After the pizza is cooked top it with:

• Yoghurt
• Rocket

I will add to this list of pizza toppings over time. Of course you can throw anything on a pizza and it tastes great, but I have only published the recipes I truly think are outstanding.