Each year introduces fresh culinary directions for pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continually track what’s winning over pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings turning heads this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut wellness has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute intricate tangy notes that pair beautifully with cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also add new textural nuances to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The blend might sound unconventional, yet it’s rapidly growing into one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve observed a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even true 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 aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy journey that has proven especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged elements. 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 such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as 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 an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved over pizza like a 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 (notably cultured or herb compound butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new combinations, 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!