Each year introduces fresh culinary directions in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continually track what is captivating pizza fans worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most thrilling and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dynamics to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may sound unusual, yet it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond the usual vegetable toppings, advances in plant-based proteins have introduced options that satisfy even dedicated 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 opt for them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from previous 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 features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor profile to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that has been especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making frequent appearances 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 distinct aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than a passing trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being 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 prefer the classics or relish bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world's most adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we respect 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? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!