Each year introduces fresh culinary directions in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continually track what wins the hearts of pizza fans around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has reached pizza kitchens, as fermented veggies become a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring layered tangy notes that enhance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while introducing new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas showcasing inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted meat enthusiasts.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular fixtures on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers opt for them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chiles remain popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each delivering its unique flavor profile to different quadrants of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout 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 offering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as more than just a passing trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen an explosion of specialty honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus across the country. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly 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 compound herb butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater willing to explore bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both classic 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? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!