When it comes to pizza toppings, few things satisfy quite like a solid lineup of flavorful meats. Whether you’re craving something bold, smoky, spicy, or subtly sweet, the right meat toppings can transform a good pizza into something unforgettable. For us at Manny & Olga’s, making the perfect pizza is all about balance, pairing quality ingredients, time-tested flavors, and fresh, made-from-scratch approach that you can taste in every bite.
Today, we’re diving deep into the pizza toppings list and ranking the best meat toppings, from the ever-popular sausage and bacon to underappreciated picks like meatballs and prosciutto. Whether you’re ordering a classic or getting creative, this guide is for every meat-loving pizza fan out there.
The Meat Topping Power Rankings
This guide ranks the best meat toppings for pizza based on flavor, popularity, texture, and how well they pair with other ingredients. It’s time to settle the debate and highlight the meats that truly make pizza great.
#1 Pepperoni: The King of Pizza Toppings
It’s no surprise that pepperoni tops this list. It’s America’s most loved pizza topping for a reason. These thin slices of spiced meat crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding just the right amount of heat, fat, and salt. The flavor is bold without being overwhelming, and it blends well with other ingredients like stretchy mozzarella or fresh veggies.
What sets it apart is its versatility. You can pair pepperoni with almost anything; mushrooms, green peppers, or even a touch of honey drizzle if you’re feeling fancy. It’s hands down the best pizza meat topping. Pepperoni that curls up and gets those perfectly crispy edges locked in the flavor with every bite. You’ll find it featured across our menu on pizzas crafted for bold flavor and total satisfaction.
#2 Italian Sausage: Bold & Flavorful
Italian sausage comes in second, it’s juicy, meaty, and seasoned with fennel, oregano, and red pepper flakes. It adds that little kick that can transform your simple slice of pizza into a full-on meal. If you love a pizza that eats like a hearty entrée, sausage is your go-to.
The sausage pizza topping works wonderfully when you put sautéed onions, green peppers, and rich tomato sauce on top. Regardless of how thick or thin your crust is, sausage will work just fine. The seasoned Italian sausage, which is fresh each day, gives flavor and makes sure the pizza is full of its unique herbiness.
#3 Bacon: Smoky, Crispy Goodness
Who doesn’t love bacon on pizza? The crackle, the smokiness, the salt, and the bacon offer a crunch that cuts through the cheese and sauce like magic. It enhances both traditional pies and modern options like chicken bacon ranch or pineapple bacon combos.
The best part? Bacon brings contrast. Want something sweet and savory? Pair it with caramelized onions or pineapple. Craving something spicy? Add jalapeños. It’s incredibly adaptable.
Our bacon pizza topping is smoked and cooked until just crispy, so it complements every ingredient without overpowering the flavor profile. Whether it’s sprinkled or layered on thick, bacon always makes its presence known.
#4 Ham: Sweet & Savory Perfection
Ham might not be the flashiest meat topping, but it definitely earns its place on this list. It’s lean, slightly sweet, and plays well with a variety of flavors. From the classic Hawaiian (ham and pineapple) to more gourmet options with mushrooms and soft cheeses, ham adds depth without heaviness.
A well-placed slice of ham balances stronger flavors like pepperoni or bacon, making your pizza feel rounded and satisfying. Choosing cuts that stay juicy even after baking is important, giving you that subtle flavor hit in every bite. If you’re wondering what the best ham for pizza is, it’s the one that complements without stealing the spotlight.
#5 Meatballs: Underrated but Delicious
Here’s where we make the case for meatball pizza toppings. Too often overlooked, meatballs bring a homemade, rustic vibe to any slice. Soft on the inside, seared on the outside, tender, juicy, and packed with seasoning, meatballs turn your pizza into a comforting experience.
They work especially well with classic tomato sauce, melty cheese, and fresh basil. You might see them more commonly in pasta, but once you try them on a pizza, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. They bring that homely vibe to a pizza and thus, deserve so much more love. Meatballs should be crafted with traditional Italian flavors, offering that handcrafted touch you can taste.
Honorable Mentions: Other Meaty Additions
Apart from our top 5, the game’s far from over. There are still heavy hitters and hidden gems waiting to be devoured. These next picks might not always steal the spotlight, but trust us, they bring bold flavors, unique twists, and serious crowd-pleasing power. Here are a few more mouthwatering menu favorites you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Chicken: Lean & Versatile
While chicken doesn’t carry the same bold flavor as pepperoni or sausage, it makes up for it in versatility. BBQ chicken pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.
We like chicken as a lighter, protein-rich pizza topping option. It’s great for when you want meat without the grease. From our specialty pies to build-your-own options, chicken is a reliable pick for fans of flavor with a leaner edge.
Prosciutto: A Gourmet Touch
If you’re in the mood for something elevated, prosciutto pizza topping is your answer. Thinly sliced, salty, and delicately chewy, prosciutto adds a touch of sophistication to any pizza. It’s especially good when paired with fresh arugula or balsamic glaze, which gives a gourmet feel to a pizza.
We love prosciutto for its elegance. It’s not heavy or greasy, but it brings depth to a pizza like few other meats can. Want to try something more refined? Next time, go for prosciutto on a thin crust with light cheese and greens. It’ll change your mind about what a pizza can be. It’s one of the best fancy meat toppings for pizza.
How Manny & Olga’s Perfects Every Meat Topping
At Manny & Olga’s, we’re committed to delivering not just any pizza, but a pizza that reflects real quality, community pride, and unforgettable flavor. That’s why we take our meat toppings seriously.
Our pepperoni crisps up just right, adding layers of flavor without getting oily. Our Italian sausage is seasoned and prepared daily to ensure it’s always bold, juicy, and full of depth. And our bacon? Smoky, crispy, and cooked to perfection. Even underrated meats like ham and meatballs get special attention in our kitchens.
Why do we go to such lengths? Because we believe that real pizza is made from scratch, with love, intention, and attention to detail. We’re proud to serve communities across Washington, D.C., and Maryland, where each location is rooted in local flavor and hospitality.
So whether you’re looking for the best pizza toppings at Manny & Olga’s or simply craving a quality slice, we’ve got something meaty and mouthwatering for you.
Ready to try the ultimate meaty pizza? Order from Manny & Olga’s today and taste the difference!