Beyond Pepperoni: The Wild World of Pickles, Sauerkraut & Other Bold Toppings

Sure, pepperoni’s a legend—but the pie party doesn’t stop there. From sassy pickles to tangy sauerkraut (and a few curveballs in between), bold toppings bring big-time flavor and plenty of Midwestern moxie.

Whether you’re team carryout or pizza delivery, buckle up. Below, we’ll dig into classics, briny brilliance, kraut-powered combos, surprise stars, pro tips, and a CTA hotter than a fresh-outta-the-oven pan.

The Classics We All Know (and Love to Pile On)

Pepperoni, Grazianos® Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers are the cozy flannel shirts of pizza—reliable, comfortable, and perfect on any chilly Iowa night. They’re the foundation of family pie night, a trusty launchpad for flavor adventures.

But here’s the twist: classics don’t have to be boring. Swap your crust finish for Garlic Butter, Asiago, or Cajun TastyCrust™ and suddenly the familiar sings. Think of these go-tos as your basecamp—because we’re about to summit Mount Flavor.

The Bold & the Briny—Pickles on Pizza

Pickles are the punk rockers of the topping world: loud, crunchy, and totally unforgettable. That bright, salty snap cuts through rich cheese and savory meats, giving your taste buds a standing ovation.

If you’ve tried our Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, you already know how dill pickles plus beef, bacon, and onions turn a slice into a backyard cookout. (Pro tip: sesame seed TastyCrust™ makes those burger vibes even bigger.)

Pickles also shine in our SkaDoozy Snacks™—that mighty 20” x 6” calzone cousin that’s basically a party submarine. Pile in beef, onion, bacon, and pickles with our melty mozzarella–provolone–cheddar trio, and you’ve got a briny, beefy masterpiece.

Still skeptical? Add banana peppers for a little zip and watch how acid + fat + heat form a delicious little harmony. Science, but make it snackable.

Sauerkraut: A Midwestern Twist That Slaps

Sauerkraut on pizza? You betcha. Around here, kraut is comfort—like Friday night lights or an orange-tinged harvest sunset. Its tangy, fermented funk wakes up creamy sauces and plays ridiculously well with sausage. Try a pie with Alfredo, Grazianos® Italian sausage, onions, and a generous sprinkle of sauerkraut. The result? Big bratwurst energy, but in slice form.

Want a bit more kick? Add jalapeños to that sauerkraut–sausage combo for a quiet heat that builds. Or keep it classic: pair sauerkraut with Grazianos® Italian sausage and onions on Garlic Butter TastyCrust™ for a hearty, tangy bite. The key is balance: kraut’s acidity equals instant refreshment between bites—no palate fatigue, just pure “another slice, please.”

Surprise Stars: Beyond the Usual Suspects

Sure, pickles and kraut steal the spotlight, but the supporting cast is stacked. Banana peppers bring citrusy zing; jalapeños add peppery heat without bulldozing other flavors.

Artichoke hearts are your fancy friend—buttery, tender, and perfectly at home on creamy Pesto Alfredo. Pineapple? We see you, sweet-and-spicy squad. Pair it with jalapeños and bacon for a tiki tailgate.

Anchovies deserve a shout, too. Salty, umami-packed, and bold as all get-out, they’re the espresso shot your pizza didn’t know it needed. And remember: you can go crustless with a ‘ZaBowl—four toppings, melty cheeses, and all the flavor pyrotechnics, minus the crust. It’s a great way to test-drive a wild combo before unleashing it on a full pie.

A Pizza Nerd’s Pro Tips for Big, Balanced Flavor

Great pies are like great bands: every player matters. Start with a sauce strategy—red for bright tomato zip, Alfredo for creamy comfort, or Pesto Alfredo when you want herbal swagger. Then pick a headline flavor (say, pickles or sauerkraut) and cast your co-stars carefully.

Try these combos to get the dough rolling:

• Diner-Burger Dream: Pickles + bacon + onions on sesame seed TastyCrust™. No condiments needed!
• Oktoberfest Vibes: Sauerkraut + sausage + onions on Garlic Butter TastyCrust™. Big, hearty flavor—no sides needed.
• Sweet Heat Crowd-Pleaser: Pineapple + jalapeños + bacon on Cajun TastyCrust™. Hello, fireworks.
• Creamy & Green: Artichoke hearts + chicken + tomatoes on Pesto Alfredo. Weeknight date night.

Finish strong: a crust finish (Asiago, Parmesan, Cajun, or Garlic Butter) is like spritzing cologne right before the doorbell rings—small touch, big impression.

Get Weird with Us!

At NorthernLights Pizza®, we’re on a passionate pursuit of pizza perfection—and we mean it. From our signature TastyCrust™ to fresh-cut veggies and that melty three-cheese magic, we chase bold flavor like it owes us rent.

Feeling adventurous? Build your own kraut-and-pickle pie, split a SkaDoozy Snacks™ with the crew, or order a Slammich™ “big enough to share… but you won’t want to!”

However you roll, we’ve got deliciousness delivered—hot, fast, and full of swagger. Hit us up for carryout or pizza delivery, and let’s make tonight a little louder than pepperoni.