Every year brings new culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we're always tracking what captivates pizza enthusiasts around the globe. Here's our rundown of the most exciting and widely embraced pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce fresh texture to classic pizzas.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unusual, but it's rapidly become one of our most requested specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we've noticed a marked uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins have introduced options that satisfy even die-hard meat fans.
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 only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing a distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. 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 seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during 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 delivering flavors that simply can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than a fleeting trend. 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 status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making a splash 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 prefers the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try bold new combinations, pizza continues to be 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!