Alternative Pizza Toppings

Looking for ways to replace that Italian sausage and pepperoni pizza that you love so much? I love pizza as much, and probably more, than most people. I believe it's God's best food creation. Anyway, here are some alternatives to the normal toppings:

1. Turkey bacon. Not only is it good for breakfast but it's also great for pizza! Use turkey bacon to replace Canadian bacon and I'm sure it'll be a hit. If you're into Hawaiian pizzas, use turkey bacon with pineapple to make it a hit.

2. Tomatoes & Basil. This is good if you're into a margherita pizza. Perhaps use provolone cheese instead of traditional mozzarella cheese for this one. I'd also recommend fresh basil leaves if at all possible. Two ingredients as simple as tomato and basil can do wonders for your pizza!

3. Spinach & Mushrooms. I recommend using either fresh spinach or cooked spinach. If you cook your spinach, I recommend seasoning it well. Seasonings I'd recommend would be light onion, garlic, salt and pepper. I'd recommend the same type of seasonings with mushrooms. If you're looking for tasty vegetables to use on your next pizza, start with these two.

4. Jalapeno Peppers. This is for the spicy-food lovers! Could you imagine a pizza with JUST jalapeno peppers? It's possible. I accidentally had a cheese pizza with nothing but jalapeno peppers on it once from Giordano's (a pizza place here in Chicago). I originally ordered sausage and something else; I don't remember what else honestly, but I remember I was pleasantly surprised by having just peppers. The good thing about it is that you're eating it with cheese. The dairy helps to negate some of the heat of the peppers while you're eating it. If you're not really into the heat, you may want to order some extra cheese for this spicy pizza.

5. Blackened chicken. I wanted to get some New Orleans-style Cajun/Creole flavor in for one of the options. "What goes with blackened chicken?" you ask. What about caramelized onions? What about a remoulade sauce base instead of a tomato base? You really do have quite a few options. Make it as cajun as you like. I would say add some andouille sausage, but that would defeat the purpose of making this a healthier alternative.

6. Shrimp. Are you ready for this one? I'm thinking Mexican for this one. If you're able to grill some shrimp with lime and cilantro you're going to impress yourself! Instead of a regular tomato-base sauce, use a fiery salsa. Instead of mozzarella cheese, find a taco or Monterey jack cheese blend. Or if you're able to find it, perhaps use a Chihuahua cheese or Asadero cheese or Cotija cheese. Now that's some good eating! Sprinkle with some extra cilantro and a little lime juice and some julienned green onions and you'll have a sure hit!

7. Fruit. I know, I know, I've went off the grid with this one. But try this one for size: mixed fruit (blueberries, peaches, strawberries, kiwi, grapes, etc.) with a cream-cheese base. This is one you and the children can get involved in. You have unlimited creative potential with this one. Besides the creative potential, it's probably one of the healthier ways to eat pizza. I would recommend using fruits that are in-season and not water-based. For example, I don't think watermelon would work well on a pizza because it's so water-based. If you really want to use melons, use sliced honeydew or cantaloupe. Mix your fruit colors to give vibrancy and a different taste. To top it off, drizzle a bit of honey.