R You Hungry? 15 Pizza Toppings That Start with R (and Totally Rock)

Because sometimes, the best pizzas start with the right letter.

Introduction

Ever found yourself standing in front of your fridge, pizza dough ready, thinking, “What on earth can I throw on this thing that starts with R?” Yeah, it’s oddly specific—but that’s exactly the kind of culinary curiosity that leads to greatness.

The letter “R” is quietly ruling the pizza topping world. Think about it: ricotta, rocket, roasted red peppers—all winners. And once you start listing them, you realise there’s a whole alphabet of flavour hiding behind that single consonant.

So grab a coffee (or a rolling pin), because today we’re diving deep into the best pizza toppings that start with R, how to use them, and a killer recipe that brings a few of them together in glorious harmony.

Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be R-eady to reinvent your next pizza night.

Why “R” Toppings Deserve the Spotlight

They cover every flavor mood

The letter R doesn’t play favourites. You’ve got creamy cheeses (ricotta, Romano), bold herbs (rosemary, rocket), and meaty show-offs (roast beef, ribs). Whether you want something subtle or full-throttle flavour, there’s an “R” topping waiting for you.

According to Menomesto’s pizza toppings list, R-toppings offer one of the widest flavour ranges—everything from herbs to meats to veggies. Variety is the real power move here.

They make your pizza look fancy without trying

Throw a handful of rocket on top of a baked pizza and boom—instant trattoria vibes. EngDic’s A-to-Z Pizza Topping Vocabulary lists rocket, roasted red peppers, and ricotta among the most common “R” choices for restaurant-style flavour at home.

They’re fun conversation starters

“Hey, what’s on your pizza?”
“Oh, just ricotta, radicchio, and rosemary.”
Instant culinary credibility unlocked.

The Ultimate List of Pizza Toppings Starting with R

Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s the A-to-Z (well, R-to-R) of delicious pizza toppings starting with everyone’s favourite 18th letter—backed by a mix of expert sources like Scattergories Online, EngDic, and Answers.com.

1. Ricotta Cheese

Soft, creamy, and just a little bit sweet, ricotta is like the cloud that every pizza dreams of sitting on.
It’s the perfect balance to spicy toppings—think sausage or chilli flakes—and it melts into dreamy puddles across your crust.

Best combo: Ricotta, spinach, roasted garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pro tip: Dollop it after baking so it stays fresh and velvety.
(Confirmed by EngDic’s pizza topping glossary)

2. Roasted Red Peppers

These are the extroverts of the topping world—bright, smoky, and just a little bit sweet. You can roast your own or grab them jarred (no shame in that).

Best combo: Roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and caramelised onions.
Texture tip: Pat them dry before adding or they’ll make your pizza soggy.
(Listed in Menomesto’s R toppings)

3. Red Onions

Raw, they bite. Cooked, they sweeten. Either way, red onions bring colour and crunch that make your pizza pop.

Best combo: BBQ chicken pizza with red onion and coriander.
Pro tip: Slice thin—nobody likes a pizza that feels like it’s fighting back.
(Also on Scattergories Online’s R list)

4. Romano Cheese

Salty, sharp, and tangy—Romano doesn’t mess around. It’s got more kick than mozzarella and works beautifully when mixed with milder cheeses.

Best combo: Romano, ricotta, and red pepper flakes on a white base.
Why it rocks: Adds umami depth and a golden crusty finish.
(Source: EngDic)

5. Rocket (a.k.a. Arugula)

Peppery, fresh, and just a bit rebellious, rocket is one of those toppings you toss after baking.
It’s basically a salad that decided to crash the pizza party.

Best combo: Prosciutto, Parmesan, and rocket.
Pro tip: Toss the rocket in a tiny bit of olive oil and lemon juice before adding—it’ll cling to the cheese like a pro.
(Source: Answers.com’s pizza topping list)

6. Rosemary

If your kitchen doesn’t smell like rosemary and baked dough at least once a month, what are you doing?
This fragrant herb brings a rustic, earthy tone that transforms even the simplest pizzas.

Best combo: Rosemary, potato slices, and mozzarella (a nod to Roman-style pizza).
Caution: A little goes a long way—too much and it tastes like a forest floor.

7. Radicchio

Beautiful to look at and slightly bitter to taste, radicchio is your wildcard topping.
When roasted, it softens and gets a subtle sweetness that balances rich cheeses perfectly.

Best combo: Radicchio, gorgonzola, and balsamic glaze.
Why it works: It gives contrast—both in colour and flavour.

8. Raisins

Yes, seriously. Sweet on pizza isn’t weird when done right (hi, pineapple lovers).
Raisins add chewy pops of sweetness that complement salty cheeses and meats.

Best combo: Raisins, caramelised onions, and pancetta.
Pro tip: Soak them in a bit of warm water or wine first to plump them up.

9. Roast Beef

Hearty, meaty, and unapologetic—roast beef turns your pizza into a full meal.
It’s perfect on white-sauce bases or with creamy cheeses.

Best combo: Roast beef, red onions, and horseradish drizzle.
When to use: Leftovers from Sunday dinner? Perfect excuse.

10. Ribs (Pulled or Chopped)

If you’ve got leftover BBQ ribs, strip that meat and throw it on your pizza. It’s smoky, sticky, and ridiculously indulgent.

Best combo: Pulled ribs, red onions, and roasted peppers on a BBQ sauce base.
Pro tip: Keep it saucy but not soupy—just enough for that glossy BBQ vibe.

11. Red Bell Peppers

Technically different from roasted peppers, these bring brightness and crunch.
They work beautifully raw for texture or roasted for sweetness.

Best combo: Red bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
Pro tip: If using raw, cut thinly so they soften in the oven.

12. Ricciola (Amberjack Fish)

A little niche, but worth mentioning for seafood fans.
Ricciola, or amberjack, brings a delicate flavour—think tuna but lighter.

Best combo: Ricciola, rocket, and lemon zest.
Why it’s cool: It’s Mediterranean perfection for coastal pizza lovers.

13. Red Chili Flakes

Technically a spice, but tell me your pizza doesn’t need a kick sometimes.
Red chili flakes add that fiery finish that keeps you reaching for another slice.

Best combo: Chili flakes, ricotta, and honey drizzle (sweet heat = magic).
Pro tip: Sprinkle post-bake for maximum punch.

14. Raspberries

Ok, hear me out—fruit on pizza isn’t blasphemy if you balance it right.
Raspberries pair stunningly with creamy cheese and balsamic glaze.

Best combo: Raspberries, ricotta, and fresh basil on a white pizza.
Why it works: Sweet, tart, creamy, and a little adventurous.

15. Ravioli

Double carbs? Absolutely. Ravioli pizza is chaotic brilliance—little pasta pillows baked right on your crust.
It’s more common than you’d think in American novelty pizza shops.

Best combo: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce base, and extra mozzarella.
When to try: When you want dinner and comfort food to be the same thing.

How to Combine “R” Toppings for Perfect Flavour Balance

Let’s be real—throwing random “R” foods on pizza doesn’t guarantee greatness.
Here’s how to layer flavours like a pro:

Creamy + Crunchy: Ricotta + red onions + rocket.
Sweet + Savoury: Raisins + roasted red peppers + Romano.
Herby + Meaty: Rosemary + roast beef + mozzarella.
Fruity + Fresh: Raspberries + ricotta + balsamic drizzle.

Balance is key: one rich element, one fresh, one punchy. Keep it to 3-4 toppings max, or you’ll end up with pizza soup.

Mini Recipe: “The Triple R Pizza” — Ricotta, Roasted Red Pepper & Rocket

A quick recipe that proves the R’s belong together

Star Ingredients: Ricotta, Roasted Red Peppers, Rocket
Flavour Profile: Creamy, smoky, and peppery with a fresh finish
Best Occasion: Movie night or date-night in
Difficulty Level: Easy

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Oven Temp: 250 °C / 482 °F
Servings: 2–3

Ingredients

250 g pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
150 ml tomato sauce or olive oil base
100 g ricotta cheese (divided)
1 roasted red pepper, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
30 g Romano cheese, grated
30 g fresh rocket leaves
1 tsp chopped rosemary (optional)
Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes:

Ricotta gives the creamy lift—don’t skip it.
Roasted red peppers add colour and that smoky depth.
Rocket should be added fresh after baking, trust me.

Instructions

Preheat your oven (and stone if you’ve got one) to 250 °C.
Stretch the dough into a 30 cm round. Lightly flour to stop sticking.
Spread the sauce or brush with olive oil, depending on your base.
Add toppings: Dollop half the ricotta, then scatter roasted peppers and onions.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and slightly blistered.
Finish: Remove, add rocket, the rest of the ricotta, grated Romano, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a whisper of rosemary if you fancy.

Result: Crispy crust, smoky-sweet peppers, creamy cheese, and that peppery rocket crunch. Basically, it’s the “R” dream team.

Tips & Variations

Want a white pizza? Skip the tomato sauce, brush the dough with garlic oil, and go full creamy mode.
Vegan? Use cashew ricotta and vegan Romano.
Fancy twist? Add roasted radicchio or a drizzle of hot honey for sweetness.

FAQs

Can I prep it ahead of time?

You can roast your peppers and prep toppings, but assemble just before baking for the crispiest result.

Can I use fresh peppers instead of roasted?

Absolutely—just roast or sauté them first. You want sweetness, not raw crunch.

Will rocket wilt if baked?

Yes, it turns sad fast. Always add rocket after baking.

The Final Slice

So there you have it—a whole menu of pizza toppings starting with R, from the obvious (ricotta) to the wild (raspberries, really). The beauty of pizza is how forgiving it is. You can experiment, mess up, and still end up with something edible—maybe even brilliant.

Next time you’re staring at your fridge wondering what to make, remember the rule of R: ricotta for creaminess, roasted red peppers for flair, rocket for freshness, and rosemary for soul.

Your pizza game just got a serious upgrade.
Now go on—roll that dough and make your R-topping masterpiece.

Author
Recent Posts

Zach Miller

Zach Miller is a homemade cook, certified pizza obsessive, and the kind of guy who thinks a good cup of coffee counts as a personality trait. When he's not perfecting his sourdough crust or experimenting with outrageous toppings (pineapple and hot honey—don’t knock it), he’s sharing fun, no-fuss recipes that actually make you want to cook. Expect plenty of melted cheese, caffeine-fueled kitchen adventures, and the occasional dad joke thrown in for free.