Each year brings fresh culinary directions to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we continuously watch what captures the palates of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings shaping pies this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add rich tangy notes that pair well with cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural elements to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the acidity. While it may sound unconventional, 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 substitutes. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted 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 just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chiles remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chiles, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its distinctive flavor to different zones of the pizza. 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 blossomed into forest-to-pizza with the growing popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the hot honey craze of 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
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, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who prefers the classics or an adventurous eater open to 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!