Each year introduces fresh culinary directions in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Flame Pizzeria, we continuously track what captures pizza lovers’ attention worldwide. Here is our roundup of the toppings that are making waves this year with both novelty and popularity.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add complex tang, complementing the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that please even devoted meat enthusiasts.
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
Spice lovers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties over 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 on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pie features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has appealed especially to adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in prominence. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has solidified as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey, 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making a splash include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you’re a purist who leans on the classics or an audacious eater willing to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Flame 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 is there a unique combination you’d like us to offer? Tell us in the comments or next time you visit!