Each year brings fresh culinary trends to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we consistently monitor what captures the palates of pizza lovers worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a growing emphasis on gut health, fermented vegetables have become a hit on pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the cheesiness and sauce. These tangy toppings also offer probiotic benefits and new textural twists to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The pairing might sound unusual, but it’s quickly turning into one of our most requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining rises in popularity, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond the usual veggie toppings, 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 just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embracing specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a fiery journey that’s particularly loved by 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 ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequently appearing in their 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 the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance created by honey has established itself as more than a trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey in 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated 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-butter blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager for 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 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? Let us know in the comments or when you drop by next time!