Slices With A Strange Twist
Pizza has no rules—just a crust and infinite flavor possibilities. Around the world, daring foodies are topping their pies with everything, even things you’d never imagine. These combinations sound strange but somehow work. If you think pineapple was controversial, brace yourself. These 20 weirdly delicious toppings might just change the way you enjoy pizza forever.
Homemade Pickle Pizza by ALL ONE KITCHEN
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes on pizza surprisingly work. The starchy layer adds depth and richness, especially when infused with garlic and herbs. It blends smoothly into the crust. You can pair it with bacon or caramelized onions for maximum effect.
2. Pickles
Pickles add a strong flavor that transforms the overall taste. Dill or bread-and-butter slices cut through the fat with tang, turning every bite into something unexpected. This topping gained traction at hip pizzerias in NYC and Portland. It’s weird but refreshing.
Homemade Pickle Pizza by ALL ONE KITCHEN
3. Peanut Butter
This one divides crowds. A thin spread of peanut butter under melted cheese adds salty richness, especially when paired with sliced jalapeños or bananas. The result is sweet, nutty, and zesty all at once. It’s been spotted on dessert pizzas and quirky pub menus.
How to Make Peanut Butter Jelly Pizza by Adam LZ
4. Mac And Cheese
Double carbs, double comfort. Elbow macaroni swimming in cheddar sauce tops some of the most indulgent pies in the Midwest. It’s chewy and totally over-the-top. It’s perfect for foodies chasing that ultra-rich, late-night bite with zero shame.
MAC & CHEESE PIZZA | SAM THE COOKING GUY 4K by SAM THE COOKING GUY
5. Kimchi
This Korean staple brings a funky twist to traditional pizza. Fermented cabbage layered over mozzarella offers a spicy tang and a hit of umami. It’s a rising trend in fusion kitchens blending East and West. Expect heat, depth, crunch, and a lingering appetizing buzz.
Spicy Kimchi Pizza | Pork Belly and Sweet Corn by Trystan Petrash
6. Fried Plantains
Golden, caramelized plantains add a nice tropical note you’d never expect on a pizza. Popular in Caribbean and Latin-inspired recipes, they work surprisingly well with salty cheeses and spicy sausage. Their soft feel and natural sugars create a flavorful curveball that plays out beautifully.
Make Pizza with PLANTAIN & Egg! Plantain Frittata | Nigerian Pizza by Tspices Kitchen
7. Smashed Avocado
Smashed avocado might be brunch royalty, but it has made its way to the pizza game. Mashed and spread post-bake, it brings a refreshing layer that complements spicy toppings. A sprinkle of chili flakes or lime zest enhances the whole thing. It’s like California meets Italy on a crust.
Avocado Pizza Recipe by Trinity Beard
8. Tater Tots
Tater Tots bring bite-sized goodness and nostalgia. Placed between layers of cheese, they deliver a crisp exterior and fluffy potato core with every bite. Bacon bits or cheddar sauce turn it into a loaded snack-meets-meal situation. It’s junk food genius on a doughy base.
CHEESY TATOR TOT PEPPERONI PIZZA by Steven Sushi
9. Honey
A post-bake drizzle of honey transforms pizza with a glistening, sweet-savory balance. It mellows out spicy ingredients like hot soppressata or jalapeños. The sticky finish adds a gourmet edge that’s especially popular in artisan pizza joints. Try it; your taste buds will understand.
QUICK and EASY Homemade Pizza by Leo Cooks Things
10. Cornflakes
Cornflakes add a surprising finish that holds up well even after baking. Most often used on dessert-style pizzas with condensed milk or cream cheese, they deliver mild sweetness with every bite. It’s cereal on crust—but weirdly, it works.
11. Fried Okra
Southern-style fried okra adds a crunchy, earthy bite rarely seen outside regional dishes. The coating against melted cheese offers texture and a subtle bitterness that cuts through rich sauces. It’s common in Southern-fusion pizzas, often with spicy sausage or smoked gouda.
Okra & Pimento Cheese Pizza by Susan Williams
12. Crispy Chickpeas
Seasoned with za’atar, garlic, or paprika, roasted chickpeas bring a bold kick to the pizza surface. They pop like little spice bombs over the cheese. You’ll often find them in Mediterranean-style pies, where they double as a hearty, high-protein replacement for meat.
Healthy, vegetarian pizza with pepperoni chickpeas | taste.com.au by taste.com.au
13. Mango Chunks
Juicy cubes of ripe mango bring a fruity taste to pizzas. Their natural sugar balances well with salty toppings like prosciutto or feta. Some chefs roast the mango slightly to intensify the flavor and reduce moisture. The result is a sunny, fruit-forward profile.
Mango chaat pizza by crazy4veggie.com by Crazy4veggie
14. Baked Beans
Smoky baked beans turn pizza into a barbecue plate on a crust. They add a saucy, delectable punch when slathered over a light tomato or BBQ base. Common in Southern barbecue-style pizzas, the beans also pair well with red onions or cheddar.
BAKED BEAN PIZZA RECIPE by Barry Lewis
15. Popcorn
Popcorn on pizza may sound like a gimmick, but it adds flavor and salt without extra grease. Added after baking, it stays airy and crumbly, creating contrast with gooey cheese. Some versions use flavored kernels like truffle or chili-lime. It’s a quirky topper that actually complements soft crusts.
TMNT Popcorn Pizza | Kirk Kooks | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzas Episode 15 by Kirk Kooks
16. Edamame
Shelled edamame provides protein and a little nuttiness. Tossed in garlic or soy sauce before baking, it melds well with mozzarella or Asian-fusion toppings like hoisin chicken. Edamame remains firm after heat. This means each bite has a satisfying pop and a healthy twist.
DON’T EAT THE SHELLS! Edamame Pizza by WEIRD WILD PIZZA
17. Pomegranate Seeds
These ruby-red seeds pop with tart juiciness and add visual flair. Chefs sprinkle them after baking. They brighten up rich cheeses like feta or goat cheese. Found in Middle Eastern-inspired recipes, they also pair well with mint, arugula, or balsamic glaze.
Making the 2000 Year Old "Pizza" from Pompeii by Tasting History with Max Miller
18. Sushi Ginger
Sliced pickled ginger adds tangy sharpness and a clean finish. Typically found on seafood-inspired pizzas with tuna or tofu, it offsets the richness of soy-based sauces. Its thin texture allows easy layering and doesn’t overpower. Here, the sushi bar meets the pizzeria with a zesty upgrade.
ASMR Eating Sounds Pizza, Pickled Ginger, and Racism by Moonlight Eats Reborn
19. Gummy Bears
Added post-bake, gummy bears stay a little sticky and glossy, adding fruit taste and a playful look. Their chewy texture adds variety to the soft, creamy base beneath. Kids’ menus and novelty pies love this topping, especially on Nutella bases or cream cheese layers.
gummy Bear pizza by victor ventimiglia
20. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Buffalo-spiced cauliflower brings the heat—minus the meat. Breaded and baked, these florets soak up sharp buffalo sauce and stay tender inside. Perfect for vegetarian eaters craving bold flavor, they work especially well with ranch drizzle or bleu cheese crumble on a neutral base.
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