Each year introduces new culinary movements in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continuously track what resonates with pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most intriguing and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has made its way onto pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that enhance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce exciting new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination might seem unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most demanded specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to grow, we’ve observed a notable rise in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetable toppings, breakthroughs 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 menu features. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flake. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, 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 showcases a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to distinct quadrants of the pie. It’s a spicy journey especially favored by bolder diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with growing interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing 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 distinctive aromatic character. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that aren’t easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as more than a passing fashion. 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 appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate simple pizza pairings 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, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-compound butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to explore bold new combos, 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 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? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you drop by!