Can you believe it? We’re going to talk about fruits on pizza.
We know, we know: It sounds crazy. But I’m here to tell you that it’s actually not so strange at all and that there are plenty of ways to make it work.
First of all, let’s take a look at what makes up a good pizza: crust, sauce, toppings, and cheese. We can start with the crust—what kinds of fruit work best? Well, if you like something sweet, try using fresh strawberries instead of tomato sauce. If you’d rather have a little more spice and crunch, try adding olives or jalapeños instead of tomato sauce or just topping your pizza with some salsa!
But what about the cheese? Well, if you’re looking for something salty and rich without any extra calories or fat (or if you just don’t like cheese), try substituting cheddar cheese with cheddar jack instead! That way, you can still get that cheesy flavor without worrying about unwanted calories creeping into your diet plan.
There are just so many ways to make it better!
That’s why we’re here: to help you take your pizza from good to great with the simple addition of real fruits. If you already love pizza, we guarantee that once you try these fruits as toppings, you’ll never return to regular ol’ toppings (pineapple) again.
Fig
Fresh figs have a unique sweet-and-sour taste, making them a great addition to pizza. They’re also high in fiber and trace minerals, so they’ll help keep you full for longer.
Cranberries
Cranberries are not just for smoothies. The tartness makes them an excellent complement to savory pizza toppings such as garlic or onions. Add them to your favorite veggie spread for a sweet, tangy flavor boost. Cranberry sauce is another great option for adding color, flavor, and nutrients to your pizza night.
Blueberries
These berries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give blueberries their deep purple hue. Blueberries are also high in vitamins C and K, and they’re loaded with fiber. Blueberries are best when they’re fresh, but frozen blueberries work well, too — just thaw them before adding them to your pizza!
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the best fruit toppings for pizza. It’s juicy, sweet, and a little tart, but not too much to overpower the other flavors on the pizza.
If you’re not a fan of watermelon, you can use cantaloupe or honeydew instead. They have similar flavors and textures to watermelon but are slightly less sweet.
The best way to cut watermelon is with a sharp knife. Cut off both ends of the melon, so it sits flat on your cutting board before slicing it in half lengthwise. Then make vertical cuts into each half until you reach the middle of the melon, where no seeds are left. Slice each half into 1/2-inch slices and then cut those slices into smaller pieces if desired for topping your pizza.
Apples
Cut up apples into small pieces and place them on top of the cheese directly after removing the pizza from the oven. They will caramelize slightly and give off a nice sweetness.
Raisins
Sprinkle on raisins while still hot from the oven; they will absorb moisture and add a slight sweetness to your pizza.
Banana
A banana slice is like a cross between a pineapple slice and an olive. It’s not quite as meaty as an olive, but it’s got more flavor than a pineapple slice. The only problem is that you must cut it before putting it on your pizza. If you’re making your own pizza at home, I’d recommend adding it after you take the first bite, so you don’t end up with banana overkill.
Cherry Tomatoes
If you’ve ever had a salad with cherry tomatoes, then you’ll know how good they taste on pizza. Their sweetness goes great with the saltiness of cheese or pepperoni. They also look cute when they’re all lined up next to each other!
Mango
Mangos are a juicy, sweet tropical fruit that can be used as a pizza topping. They pair well with onions, bell peppers, and spicy meats like pepperoni and sausage. Mangoes also make a great topping for salads or even sandwiches.
Cherries
Cherries have a sweet flavor that goes well with creamy sauces and rich meats such as ham, bacon, and sausage. If you want to use cherry tomatoes on your pizza instead of slices of fresh cherry, try adding them in the last 5 minutes of baking, so they don’t burn before they soften up.
Takeaway
While it may seem like a bit of a stretch, given the growing popularity of pizza and fruit, it is only a matter of time before the two are normally combined.
There is no ideal recipe, but it is a good idea to try them all and see what you like best. If you want to stay strictly healthy, there are plenty of options for toppings. Choose your favorite fruits and veggies, and create a delicious meal fit for royalty—no need to go to the local pizzeria when you can have a gourmet pizza made at home.
