Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we stay tuned to what captures pizza lovers’ imaginations worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings that defined the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has reached pizzerias, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce bold tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new texture layers to classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to soften the tang. It might sound unconventional, yet it’s rapidly becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-forward eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a growing demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even dedicated meat enthusiasts.
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 choose them for unique flavors and a lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a mosaic of four regional chilies, each bringing its distinct flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy journey that’s especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients on the rise. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their peak 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 sustainably cultivated at scale.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has proven itself beyond a trend. Building on the hot honey craze, 2023 saw a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pies 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 a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved 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 (notably cultured or herb-based compound butters)
Whether you lean toward the classics or enjoy bold, experimental pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved dishes. 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 combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!