Each year brings new directions in pizza cuisine, and 2023 was no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on what’s capturing pizza lovers’ imaginations worldwide. Here’s our overview of the most thrilling and popular toppings that defined the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add tangy complexity that complements the richness of cheese and sauce. These toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce exciting texture twists to traditional pies.
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 may seem unusual, but it’s quickly become one of our highly requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a clear uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations 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 regular menu items. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts are in for a treat! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fragrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a fiery adventure that’s especially popular with more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with rising interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with 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 unique 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 established itself as more than a fleeting fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled onto 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 the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned 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-butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, 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 timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!