Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 was no different. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continually track what captures the palates of pizza lovers around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings stirring up interest this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has made its way onto pizzerias’ menus, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tangy complexity that enhances the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add novel texture to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring creative meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular options on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang showing up on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza combines four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to a different quadrant of the pie. It’s a spicy journey especially loved by those seeking bold flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with growing interest in seasonal foraged elements. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing as their seasons permit.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. 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 become more than a passing fad. 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 depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved over pizza like golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-butter blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or a curious eater eager to explore bold new combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we honor tradition 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 is there a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!