Survey: The country's favorite pizza topping is...

[AsahinaKimi]

By Danika Fears

Americans are pizza-obsessed.

But you knew that, didn't you? The country is chowing down on cheesy pies (with crusts on) at least once a week, according to a new national Zagat survey.

The number one topping? Pepperoni, with 38 percent of those polled calling it their first choice. But it’s not all about the meat — mushrooms came in a very close second, just above sausage. What topping makes most people shudder? That would be anchovies, voted least favorite among all the options (but Al Roker's favorite).

As for how we eat those pizza pies, your technique might depend on where you live. Just over 50 percent of Northeasterners polled preferred to fold their slices, while over half of Midwesterners eat it flat. Women are more likely to pick up a fork and eat than men, but only 19 percent of eaters aren’t willing to get their hands a little greasy. And despite the convenience of holding dinner in your hand, the vast majority of people sit down and savor their pizza, rather than eating it on-the-go.

Over 80 percent of those surveyed count pizza among their favorite foods, mostly for its flavor. So next time a pizza hankering hits, stop by one of the top Zagat-rated shops in cities across the country. In New York City, Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitano took first prize, while Pizzeria Mozza topped the list in Los Angeles.

more...
http://bites.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/26/12416549-survey-the-countrys-favorite-pizza-topping-is?lite&ocid=todmsnbc11
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Mine is mushroom and garlic... yours? Check out the video at the link!!

[hlthe2b]

1. I really find it amazing so many favor pepperoni most of all...

i just find it so damned greasy...

But, of course I really don't find good pizza very often any more. NYC, sure--everywhere, but outside the NE, it is a lot slimmer pickings.

[RKP5637]

3. I used to like pepperoni 'till I realized how bad it is for one. n/t

[Drunken Irishman]

12. Colleges...

I've found the best pizza places outside the Pizza Zone (where pizza is really taken seriously) are generally located around college campuses. Here in Salt Lake, one of the best pizza places in the state, if not the best, is located at the end of the University of Utah campus.

It's the Pie Pizzeria. And they make gooood pizza.

[LadyHawkAZ]

17. drool...

I've had their pizza, and it is delicious.

Freewheeler is decent as well, and we have it on speed dial (boyfriend loves Freewheeler).

I envy anyone able to get real NY pizza though.

[Drunken Irishman]

19. I haven't had Freewheeler and there is The Pie Hole downtown I want to try.

It opened not too long ago on State and I hear it's good pizza too.

[LadyHawkAZ]

42. If you get it fresh, Pie Hole is decent

Not outstanding but totally worth eating. I'm a member at the gym next door and they buy it for us on Pizza Nite once a month. They tend to skimp on cheese though, so if you're anything like me you'll want to order extra cheese.

[AsahinaKimi]

35. I worked a temp job at the University of Utah

as a Janitor for like about a week when I had a brief One year stay in Salt Lake City, Utah. I seem to recall this place, and friends dragging me there. We would go skiing up at Snowbird, Alta, and Brighton and then come back starving for something. Pizza always hit the spot.

[randome]

21. Turkey pepperoni is a little less greasy.

If you make your own. Me? I like pineapple and broccoli bits. Yum!

[AsahinaKimi]

26. I think I would use

Turkey Jerky as topping, the thinly sliced kind, though I suppose some thinly sliced turkey breast would work. I don't know of any place around the city that uses turkey. Though I have seen some weird toppings.. (corn~yuck!)

[tridim]

30. I like it a lot, but use it sparingly.. More as a flavoring.

I'll put maybe 8 pieces on a 16" "everything" pizza.

You can make good pizza at home BTW. It just takes a little practice.

[Fawke Em]

103. Find a locally-owned Greek restaurant.

We've found that the pizzas from a lot of these Mom & Pop joints are far and away superior to any chain restaurant and pretty much costs the same price (although, you may not get delivery).

[RKP5637]

2. Mine, green pepper, onion and mushroom! Ohhh, I really dislike anchovies! n/t

[AsahinaKimi]

4. I like anchovies... but

we have a pizza place around here that puts corn on pizza.. sorry.. for some reason that turns my stomach.

[RKP5637]

8. Corn, wow, I had never heard of that. Kinda like putting lima beans on pizza to me. I'll take

anchovies before corn anytime!!! Now I'm getting hungry!

[AsahinaKimi]

18. Check out this list of ingredients

from a local place near by:

Pepperoni, Pepperoncini, Pesto sauce, Fresh Garlic, Broccoli,

Italian Sausage, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Bay Shrimp, Cilantro,

Italian Salami, Pineapple, Kalamata Olives, Mushrooms, Basil,

Black Olives, Fresh Tomatoes, Chicken Strip, Bell Pepper, Ranch Sauce,

Roasted Eggplant, Prosciutto, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Ground Beef, BBQ Sauce,

Anchovies, Pine Nut, Artichoke Heart, Jalapeno, Ham,

Oregano, Spinach, Corn, Green Olives.

[RKP5637]

62. Wow!!! n/t

[tridim]

39. Corn chips on taco pizza. MMMMMmmmm!

I used to work at a place called Happy Joes that did taco pizza so right.

[RebelOne]

5. Mushrooms and extra cheese. n/t

[AsahinaKimi]

73. There are some places locally

that will give you five different kinds of cheese toppings.. it can be a dizzying experience trying to decide which kind go together and taste well.

[Initech]

6. They really needed a survey for this?

[AsahinaKimi]

23. Its probably the only thing

Republicans and Democrats can agree on ..

[MineralMan]

7. Anchovies on Pizza! Yumm!

I always keep a can or two of anchovies in the cupboard. On those occasions when I heat up a frozen pizza, I add them to half of the pizza. My wife doesn't complain, unless the tiniest fragment of anchovy ends up on her half. What does she know, though?

Anchovies! Yumm!

[AsahinaKimi]

11. We have a place near by that puts

Pine nuts on pizza.. I like those but not sure they fit on a pizza, taste wise.

[MineralMan]

22. I think it would depend on the other toppings.

I like pine nuts very much. I can see them on a pizza that also included basil, tomato, and goat cheese. Adding a sprinkling of pine nuts would enhance that combination, I'm sure. I'm a simplicity guy when it comes to pizza, and always prefer just two or three toppings. Anchovies, though, make a nice addition to some pizza combinations. Not everyone agrees, though. Some people abhor anchovies. I love them. Rinsed to remove excess salt, and then wrapped around a caper, they make a great appetizer, and if I make them, I benefit from some people's dislike for anchovies by having more for myself. I always make something bland for those folks who don't care for anchovies, though.

[KansDem]

31. That's only half of it!

Anchovies and jalapeños!

Double yum!!!.

I call it my "salt and pepper pizza"

[MineralMan]

33. That's an interesting sounding combination for sure.

Add some thinly-sliced linguica to it and you'd have quite a treat.

Anchovy-stuffed giant green olives are also a wonderful thing.

[AsahinaKimi]

37. I will have to look for that...

I am sure there must be some stores here in THE CITY that has that. Linguica, I have heard of but never tried. Not even sure what it is?

[MineralMan]

40. It's a small diameter Portuguese dry sausage, related

to Chorizo, but not as oily or quite as spicy. It's available in most supermarkets, right next to the Chorizo. Very flavorful and great on pizza, as an alternative to pepperoni. It's also great as an omelet ingredient, when diced very small and combined with cheese, onion, and tomato.

Try in North Beach. A shop there will certainly have it. Or try this sausage maker in Santa Clara:

http://www.netosausage.com/html/products.html

Here's a San Francisco source. It's a Brazilian food store, but they have authentic linguica:

http://www.mercadobrasilsf.com/?p=info

[AsahinaKimi]

45. ooh thanks!

I see it listed as a pizza topping on the local pizza place I like to order from...will try it next time I order pizza, thanks for the tip!

[closeupready]

9. Every pizza place has the one with sausage/peppers/mushroom/onion, and

that's the one I like most of all.

Chicago has a pizzeria downtown that makes their crusts with cornmeal, and it is sooooo good - thick and delish. Even better the next day. Oo.

[zeemike]

10. Mushrooms and peppers for me...and always with garlic.

But I have not bought a pizza in years because after eating one produced at the chain store pizza shop I would be thirsty for days afterwords....way too much salt for me.
But I learned to make my own Pizza...it is not that hard at all even as I do from scratch...then you have some control as to what goes into it....good ingredients make for a good pizza.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

13. Man, I'd give anything to be eating a European-style pizza right now

the wood-fired thin crust olive oil kind they make in Italy and southern France with European type of flour that has such a rich yeasty taste. Anchovies would be great, but even plain is wonderful. All species of pizza are great but I wish I had a teleportation machine that could could beam one of those oily European delights right over here. Most American pizza doesn't come close.

[AsahinaKimi]

32. I have had pizza in Naples, Italy...

It was more like a Calzone, in that it was flipped over. They also poured a lot of olive oil over it.. and some of the things they liked on it were real tomatoes, and squid!! Lots of black, green and Greek Olives.

Also when I visited Scotland, I was amazed how many people used forks and knives on pizza. No one ever used their hands.

[monmouth]

14. Sausage (the real stuff) and peppers....n/t

[MichaelMcGuire]

15. Thin pizza with piri piri chicken or Mexican pizza from Papa Johns. (nt)

[MANative]

16. Growing up in a community with a thriving portuguese population...

I was privileged to experience the great delicacy topping of linguica. Will always be my favorite, even now that I have to have it shipped to me. I buy plain cheese pizza and add my own delicious portuguese sausage. (For foodies, it's similar to chourizo, but a little less picante.)

[KamaAina]

70. You have to have linguica shipped to you?

Where do you live? On the moon?

[MANative]

80. Small town, and my local grocer doesn't carry it.

Fortunately, my mother lives less than two miles from a Gaspar's plant, so she's got me covered.

[Puzzledtraveller]

20. Herman Cain?

If there was ever a pizza called the Herman Cain, what would it's toppings be?

[OriginalGeek]

24. Fat head cheese

and regret.

[Aerows]

59. Nah

He's butthead cheese for only 9.99.

[OriginalGeek]

84. Le Stinque!

and overpriced! lol

[KamaAina]

69. And baloney

much like the famous Ollie North sandwich: shredded lettuce and baloney, on a roll.

[OriginalGeek]

85. but that sounds good

except maybe not on a pizza - although my wife will get down and make some damn fine fried baloney sammiches when she's feeling froggy...

[Initech]

91. Actually it wouldn't exist.

[Speck Tater]

25. Damn! I'm more virtuous than I realized!

I haven't eaten pizza in a couple of years!

Oh crap. Now I'm craving pizza. Where's the phone book?

[AsahinaKimi]

43. my suggestion

Stay away from the Pizza chains, if you are gonna get a pizza, find a place that is local, and has great recommendations! Where I live I can GOOGLE websites that have recommendations on various local restaurants. For example one of my favorite places to have pizza
in San Francisco is Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant on Geary Blvd.


http://www.gasparespizza.com/


I just now used Google to look them up, because I couldn't recall the name.

[JI7]

27. pepperoni and mushroom are probably my favorites also

[kestrel91316]

28. Pepperoni, mushroom, and black olive is my quintessential favorite.

[mrmpa]

29. Love anchovies..............

but won't ask for them from the restaurant. Too often they've been laying around too long. I add them when I get home. Love onions and green peppers.

Can't handle hot sausage, prefer sweet. I was in a town, only one pizza shop in town, Dominos. Stopped in for a pie, asked if the sausage was hot (they used to have a pork topping that wan't spiced), clerk said "no". God, it was so hot, my mouth just blistered from the spices. Torn the sausage off, but the grease had cooked into the sauce. That was a waste of money.

[emilyg]

34. mushrooms and black olives

[maddezmom]

90. .....

same here. Sometimes if I'm in a strange mood, I'll do some onions but it's not that often.

[hlthe2b]

101. Here here... and if there must be meat, I'g go for sausage.

but I do love me some mushrooms and black olives.

When I was growing up there were Shakey's pizza places. They had one that had mushrooms, black olives, lots of cheese and shrimp! That sounds weird, but it was good. I think they all went out of business, but I still remember how good they were and though I've tried just tossing a little bit of shrimp, they must have done something more than that as it never tasted quite the same.

Oh well...

[hifiguy]

36. Good pepperoni, mushrooms`

onions and about a half-order of extra cheese. VERY thin crust.

[AsahinaKimi]

38. Love thin crust

In the survey they mention that women more than men, would not eat the crust. I have tried, I just get too full on it.. and then can't enjoy the gooey stuff right before it!

[NNN0LHI]

41. I like pepperoni but not on pizza

Too greasy.

Don

[mysuzuki2]

44. Here's one that will make many of you cringe - sauerkraut.

It is common to see sauerkraut as a topping in parts of central Illinois. It is actually not as bad as it sounds. My favorite though is thin crust mushroom and onion without too much cheese.

[AsahinaKimi]

66. I have had it on a (Turkey) hot dog

but never on pizza. I am sure there are other weird toppings that people like. Someone mentioned to me a Chinese Pizza, but I can't even imagine what would be on that. Mexican pizza is very popular in the Bay Area!

[mysuzuki2]

93. I now live in Milwaukee where sauerkraut is considered one of the basic food groups.

never seen it on a pizza here though.

[sylvi]

46. Bacon n/t

[CTyankee]

47. Ahem, excuse me...best pizza is in New Haven, CT

Sally's and Pepe's get all the publicity, but Modern is preferred by locals.

However, nearest to my house is Dayton St. Pizza, a little hole in the wall that makes an excellent pie and fresh soups.

Pizza in New Haven is called Apizza, probably a shortened version of La Pizza...perhaps from Sicilian dialect.

[Cali_Democrat]

48. Pizza is delicious

Yum.

[Cali_Democrat]

49. My favorite Pizza? Giordano's in Chicago:

It's so good, it's like a pie. Although, I'm sure it will offend some New Yorkers.

Now you can even get it shipped to you overnight. Stick it in the oven and you got Giordano's pizza!

[AsahinaKimi]

53. dare I ask..

what the green oozing stuff is? Spinach? Do they call that DEEP DISH pizza? I think I have seen that kind around San Francisco, especially down on Columbus Street.. in the heart of Little Italy!

[Cali_Democrat]

54. LOL. I think it's a basil leaf

Yes...it's deep dish.

[pink-o]

92. Calzone's!!!! I'm about a mile away from Columbus ave right now

(Starbux by Embarcadero.) Calzone's has a great sidewalk cafe atmosphere but way overpriced. I like some of the places off the beaten path, but North Beach Pizza on Grant is still pretty darn good.

All this talk of pizza makes me wanna walk up the hill and get some right now!

[AsahinaKimi]

94. Go for it..or

North Beach Pizza delivers.. Its absolutely yum!! Go for it!!

[B2G]

65. God, you are killing me here

Southerners just don't know how to make a good pie. If it's not from Chicago, it ain't pizza.

[marmar]

68. LOVE Giordano's.......though our Pizza Papalis here in Detroit is good too.

[maryellen99]

78. I love Pizza Papalis too! nt

[riderinthestorm]

79. +1000000. I LOVE Giordanos! Deep dish spinach, onion and mushrooms - best pizza on the planet

[bullwinkle428]

106. I try to make it to Giordano's at least once every year - their deep-dish rocks!

Relatively short drive from eastern Iowa, so Chicago road trips aren't too difficult of a task...

[Tommykun]

50. To me, its a rare treat.

The only pizza I buy is from a local spot right down from my house. Fresh dough, local meats, local veggies. Sure, you pay an extra two or three bucks, but it makes Pizza Hut look like those cheap-o microwavable pizzas. Seriously the most awesome pizza I've ever had and I've been to Chicago a time or two.

And on the rare occasion, maybe once a month if I'm lucky, I get the thing loaded down with everything except anchovies. Unhealthy? Sure, but hey, might as well treat yourself from time to time.

[hughee99]

51. I would have guessed cheese, because no matter what else you get

you usually get cheese too (except in Rhode Island, for some reason).

[Ohio Joe]

52. Bacon, artichoke hearts and garlic

Now that is pizza

[Scootaloo]

55. Jeeze, do I have to pick ONE topping?

I suppose out of the regular toppings, anchovies ARE my least favorite... but even they can be good when the mood strikes me.

My favorite topping combo however is hawaiian. There's just something about the cheese / marinara / pineapple blend that makes it so... mmmmmm.

[AsahinaKimi]

64. Ya know..everyone loves pizza..!!

[ret5hd]

56. Braaaaaains!

signed,
your friendly neighborhood zombie

[B2G]

57. Sausage, spinach, garlic and roma tomatos

Dammit, now I want pizza.

[MattBaggins]

98. What kind of sausage?

[B2G]

99. Italian. The only kind. :-)

[Aerows]

58. Tons O'cheese

That's my favorite. I like onions and hamburger occasionally, but I'll never order a pizza without extra cheese . I usually add parmesan to it, too!

[RadiationTherapy]

60. Pineapple and cheese.

Gold.

[AsahinaKimi]

63. You know on the survey it said

Pineapple was listed as one of the more "yucky" toppings, but hell no!! I love pineapple and a pizza not need to be salty, but can be sweet. I love a good white cheese and pineapple on a pizza. It can be a hell of a treat!!

[RadiationTherapy]

67. It goes well with the sweet/umami flavor of the tomatoes.

The acid from the pineapple also changes the mouthfeel of the cheese. Love it.

[csziggy]

61. My first choice ANCHOVIES!

Second choice - Canadian bacon and mushrooms.

If I make pizza at home, my husband always wants me to cook my 'dead fish' pizza after his comes out of the oven. For those who are interested, he likes just about everything on his pizzas.

[libinnyandia]

71. When I lived in Brooklyn, NY, I was surprised howw much business Domino's, Papa John's and

Chicago Uno had.

[AsahinaKimi]

72. I really feel that Chained Pizza places..

Domino's, Papa Johns, Round Table, Pizza Hut will never be as good as some of the local places, especially here in San Francisco. There are some unbelievable chefs here.. in fact, just the other day...

I had a clam chowder from a local pizza place, that absolutely beat some of the clam chowders I have had at fisherman's wharf, where there are many top, expensive sea food places. This local chowder was far better than SCOMA's which to me, is one of the premier seafood places in the city.

[johnnie]

74. Bacon and feta

Although I'm not picky.

[AsahinaKimi]

75. I think I have had feta cheese

Before..its not bad.. there is a place locally that offers five styles of cheese on pizza. In fact, if you just want a cheese pizza, you can get one with all five styles on it.

[kentuck]

76. The one in the picture !!

With pepperoni, cheese, green peppers, sausage, and mushrooms!

And can you put an extra minute on that crust, please?

[Manifestor_of_Light]

77. Pizza of DEATH.

I am highly allergic to tomatoes so I can't eat it. also can't eat bell peppers,etc.

Way back in high school I got a clue when I ate pizza and it came back up for an encore performance about an hour later.

[thelordofhell]

81. Pepperoni....Mushroom....Habanero

mmmmmmmmm

[sakabatou]

82. Pesto for me (with red pepper flakes)

[AsahinaKimi]

87. I have had pesto on pizza..

it wasn't bad.. next time I will try the red pepper flakes. Are those the hot red peppers? The ones that usually come in a little packet? Would you believe I have a ton of those little packets? I like to use them when making a nice hot chili !

[sakabatou]

88. Yeah, from the packets or shakers

Give's the pizza a nice spicy kick.

[AsahinaKimi]

89. By the way...

I made this crazy sauce for dipping crackers in. I use mayonnaise, wasabi and minced garlic. You can put as much wasabi as you can stand.. its crazy good on Triskets!

[sakabatou]

95. No thanks

[Mosby]

83. the california vegi at dominoes is really good

We usually order it now with the thin crust, cuts down on the carbs.

[AsahinaKimi]

86. I could never buy Dominos

knowing they support many right wing ideologies... I just couldn't stomach giving any money to them.

[MattBaggins]

96. Soppressata and actual brine cured black olives.

Not that crap from the cans passed off as black olives.

Just don't put pineapple on a pizza. That's just gross.

[wandy]

97. The best pizza in the world is when you make it you're self. From scratch.

It isn't often that I drag out all of the hardware but.....
A cup or two of flower, an egg or so, some yeast stuff, water, hay a touch of basil, why not.
Some left over pasta sauce.
Raid the garden for fresh tomato's, peppers even spinich if you have it.
Fresh mushrums and of coarse pepperoni and sausage.
And mozzarella. Not the pre sliced, the kind that comes in little balls.
And much to me 'mudders disapproval; deep dish if you think you can pull it off!
OH; and don't forget the 'chovies, they go on top!
Even for deep dish, those choves go on the top crust with a little bit of olive oil.
Only drawback.
Dam does this trash the kitchen!

[Odin2005]

100. Sausage!

[Fawke Em]

102. Incorrect: the number one topping is cheese.

Period.

[Nye Bevan]

104. I used to like the Peking Duck pizza from California Pizza Kitchen.

Unfortunately they discontinued it.

[CBGLuthier]

105. Cutting Edge Journalism from MSNBC.

My personal most feared topping is shit from the restaurant workers unwashed hands but I do understand some people just don't like anchovies.

[yellowcanine]

107. Anchovies and green olives. Yum.

My favorite. If we are going veggie, it is peppers, onions and mushrooms.