Each year ushers in fresh culinary trends for the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we keep tabs on what is winning over pizza lovers around the globe. Here is our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The focus on gut health has found its way to pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new textural dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, but it's quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based dining continuing to grow, we've seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas featuring creative meat alternatives. Beyond the usual vegetable toppings, innovations 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 regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than plain 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 making appearances on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor to different quadrants of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s 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 popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their respective 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 quality. 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 created by honey has firmly established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen an explosion 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 shaved 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’re a traditionalist who prefers the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try bold new combinations, 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 classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these popular toppings? Or do you have a personal favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!