Every year brings fresh culinary trends to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continuously track what captures the palates of pizza enthusiasts around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has found its way into 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 fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring creative meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetable toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins have introduced 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 features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor profile to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with our more daring 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 appearing throughout their seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic touch. 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 of honey has established itself as more than a passing fad. 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 are gracing menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves 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 herb-infused butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater ready to explore bold new pairings, 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 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!