Every year introduces fresh culinary directions in the world of pizza, and 2023 was no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continuously track what resonates with pizza enthusiasts globally. Here is our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring bold tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new textural depth to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to temper the tang. The combination might sound unusual, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve observed a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even the most ardent meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians—many patrons choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestion footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in luck! In 2023, pizza fans have embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing a distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy journey that has been especially loved by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table mindset has broadened to forest-to-pizza with the growing appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or a curious eater open to bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we honor heritage while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you stop by!