Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Flame Pizzeria, we continually track what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and in-demand toppings that are making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has extended to pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute intricate tangy notes that pair beautifully with the creaminess of cheese and sauce. These toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce novel texture dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unusual, yet 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 increase in demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins now offer options that please even dedicated 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 only for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular from previous years, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making appearances on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor profile to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially favored by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequently appearing in their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while offering flavors that aren’t easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly 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 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 narrowly missed the top five but are still making an impact 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 butter blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors 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 & Flame 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 is there a unique favorite combo you’d like us to offer? Tell us in the comments or next time you visit!