Unique Pizza Recipes | 5 Creative Pizzas to Try

Let’s get one thing straight: I love a good pepperoni pizza. It’s reliable, comforting, and always delivers the cheesy goodness I crave after a long day. But every now and then? I want my pizza to get a little weird. Not “pineapple weird” (we’ve all been there), but genuinely mind-blowing, why-didn’t-I-think-of-this-sooner weird.

So if your pizza game is stuck in a mozzarella rut, buckle up. I’m about to show you five wild pizza recipes that push the boundaries without getting ridiculous. These ideas are all built off a solid foundation of great pizza dough, bold toppings, and creative twists that work. Whether you’re baking on a pizza stone, slathering on your favorite pizza sauce, or just looking for something to spice up pizza night, you’re in the right place.

Before we get into the doughy details, check out these handy resources if you’re new to the homemade pizza game:

Food Network: Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Epicurious – Simple Homemade Pizza Sauce

1. The Dill Pickle Bacon Pizza

Ever looked at your burger and thought, “Hey, this should be a pizza”? Same.

Why It Works

Pickles and bacon bring a salty, briny punch that cuts through all the creamy cheese and rich dough. Think of it like the cooler, crunchier cousin of the Hawaiian pizza.

What You’ll Need:

Garlic cream sauce as the base (skip tomato here)
Mozzarella and provolone blend
Crispy bacon bits
Thinly sliced dill pickles
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Optional: ranch drizzle

Dough Tip:

Use a bread flour pizza dough for that crispy edge and chewy bite. Bake it on a preheated pizza stone to get that golden, bubbly finish. And no, don’t put the pickles on before baking unless you’re into sad, soggy circles.

2. Mac & Cheese Pizza (Carb Lovers Unite)

This one’s for the rebels. The ones who looked at their two favorite comfort foods and said, “Why not both?”

What Makes It Work

Creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni layered on a thin, crispy crust? Yes, it’s a lot. But it’s also magical. You’re basically getting an entire meal on one slice. The richness pairs beautifully with a basic tomato sauce or garlic butter base.

Ingredients:

Thin crust pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Butter + flour + milk for a quick roux
Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and a little gruyère
Cooked macaroni pasta
Fresh chives for garnish

Hot Tip:

Bake the crust halfway, then pile on the mac and cheese. Finish with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. And if you want to get really wild, a few crumbles of sausage pizza topping add some spicy balance.

3. Breakfast Pizza With a Sunny-Side-Up Twist

Who said pizza was only for lunch and dinner? Not me. Breakfast pizza is the hero we never knew we needed.

What You Need:

Buttery biscuit or puff pastry base (because mornings deserve fluff)
White gravy or garlic butter (yes, please)
Shredded cheddar and mozzarella
Crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon
Cracked eggs on top, sunny-side-up style

Why You’ll Love It:

The egg yolks act like a built-in sauce, blending perfectly with the cheese and meat. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after baking for a rich, golden touch. It’s like a white pizza and brunch had a delicious baby.

4. Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza (for the Veggie Rebels)

Even if you’re a meat-lover, give this one a shot. It slaps. Hard.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

Buffalo cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and just chewy enough to satisfy that craving for something hearty. Add blue cheese crumbles and it becomes an instant veggie pizza upgrade.

What You’ll Need:

Classic or cauliflower crust
Mild buffalo sauce (to keep it flavorful but not face-melting)
Roasted cauliflower bites
Mozzarella + blue cheese crumbles
Celery ribbons or green onions

Bonus Points:

Serve it with ranch, extra hot sauce, or even a side of pesto pizza recipe dip. FYI: The combo of spicy and creamy never gets old.

5. Dessert Pizza: Nutella, Berries & Mascarpone Madness

Now for the sweet finale. Because yes, dessert pizza is a thing, and no, we’re not ashamed.

What It Involves:

Thin crust or sugar-cookie-style base
A generous slather of Nutella
Fresh berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
Mascarpone dollops (or whipped cream if you’re feeling chaotic)
Optional: crushed hazelnuts or honey drizzle

Why It Works:

It’s the perfect ending to pizza night. You get creamy, fruity, chocolatey goodness on top of a crispy crust. It’s like a pastry and Margherita pizza had a dream sequence.

FAQ: Pizza Recipes Questions You Didn’t Know You Had

What’s the best type of flour for pizza dough?

Great question! If you want that chewy, bubbly texture with a crispy bottom, bread flour is your best bet. It has more protein than all-purpose flour, which helps give the dough structure and that satisfying stretch.

Can I use olive oil in pizza dough?

Absolutely. Adding extra virgin olive oil makes the dough softer and easier to handle. It also adds a hint of richness to the flavor. Just don’t go overboard—a tablespoon or two is plenty.

What’s the difference between white pizza and regular pizza?

A white pizza skips the traditional tomato sauce and instead uses options like garlic cream, ricotta, or just a drizzle of olive oil. It’s rich, indulgent, and totally worth trying if you want to shake things up.

How do I stop my pizza from sticking to the pizza stone?

Preheat the stone first. Seriously—don’t skip this. Sprinkle a bit of cornmeal or flour on it before placing your dough. Also, make sure your dough isn’t too wet. A dry, lightly floured base is key.

Can I use store-bought dough for these recipes?

Heck yes. While I love a homemade pizza dough recipe, sometimes you just want to eat sooner rather than later. Just let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before rolling it out—that helps it relax and stretch better.

What pizza sauce should I use?

For classics like Margherita pizza, go with a simple, high-quality pizza sauce or crushed tomato sauce seasoned with salt, olive oil, and a touch of garlic. For creative pies, try garlic cream, pesto, or even BBQ.

Is it weird to put salad on pizza?

Honestly? Not at all. A handful of arugula or spinach tossed in lemon juice and olive oil on top of a hot pizza adds contrast, freshness, and crunch. Give it a try with a prosciutto pizza or a veggie-loaded pie.

How thin should I roll out my dough?

Depends on your style. For New York-style pizza, roll it out thinner. For something more rustic and chewy, keep it a bit thicker. Either way, aim for even thickness so it bakes uniformly.

Final Thoughts: Pizza Deserves a Plot Twist

Look, I’m all for a classic pepperoni or a simple Margherita pizza. But sometimes your taste buds want a little chaos. These pizzas bring bold flavors, fun combos, and just enough novelty to keep things interesting (without terrifying your dinner guests).

So next time you’re stuck between ordering the usual or making your own, ask yourself: “What’s the wildest pizza I could try today?” Maybe it’s a pesto pizza recipe with prosciutto and arugula. Maybe it’s pickle bacon madness. Either way, your taste buds will thank you.

Now go preheat that oven. It’s pizza time.

Author
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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.

From Classic to Crazy: 5 Pizza Recipes You’ve Never Seen Before