Does the supreme pizza live up to its name? We like to think so. Traditionally topped with pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and olives, the supreme pizza combines some of the most popular pizza toppings into one delicious slice. But does supreme mean the same thing at all pizzerias? We’re on the case.

Some pizzerias also include mushrooms on their supreme pizza, while others include Canadian bacon for added meatiness. In fact, a bit of casual research reveals that the definition of a supreme pizza is fairly non-standard. For instance, in Australia, a supreme pizza can include pepperoni, “rasher” bacon, capsicum (a type of pepper), ground beef, Italian sausage, mushroom, onion, oregano, and pineapple. Wow. That really runs the gamut.

Olives aren’t always included, but bell peppers seem to be a fixture of the pizza. Some more extreme supremes include pepperoni, ham, pork sausage, and beef, plus peppers, onions, and mushrooms, making them basically meatlovers pizzas with extra toppings.

The most stripped down versions, included many frozen options, have pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, and onions.

The common denominator seems to be a hearty combination of both meat and vegetable toppings, with at least two kinds of each represented. The supreme title stems from the sheer amount and variety of toppings included. Keep this in mind when you order a supreme pizza – they vary from pizzeria to pizzeria. So buyer beware.

Whatever way you slice it, a supreme pizza covers all of your toppings bases – something for the meat lovers, something for the veggie lovers, and that little something extra. Try it the next time you need a crowd-pleasing pizza order. Or better yet, order one for delivery right now.

— Alyssa Morris