Each year brings fresh culinary influences to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we keep track of what’s capturing the palates of pizza lovers worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that pair well with cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the sharpness. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to grow, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins provide 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 distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
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 have stayed popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s 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 appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like 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 distinct 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 popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen an explosion of specialty honey varieties 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 pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned 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 herb-butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors 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 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!