Every year brings fresh directions in pizza cuisine, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continuously track what excites pizza fans worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the toppings that have generated the most buzz and popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut-friendly foods has reached pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite on pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add bold tangy notes that balance the creaminess of cheese and sauce. These toppings not only support gut health but also introduce new textural depth to traditional pizzas.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to temper the tang. The blend may sound unusual, yet it’s quickly rising as one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining grows, we’ve seen a notable rise in pizzas built around creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many guests pick them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 saw pizza lovers embrace specific regional chilies instead of generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang showing up on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a mix of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy journey that’s especially loved by bolder diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing across seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance of honey has solidified its role beyond a passing fad. Building on the hot honey craze from previous years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honeys drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing across menus nationwide. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate simple combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves 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-infused blends)
Whether you lean toward tradition or enjoy 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 classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique combination you’d like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!