Each year introduces fresh culinary ideas to the world of pizza, and 2023 brings its own surprises. At Crust & Ember, we continually watch what delights pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our rundown of the most exciting and sought-after toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented vegetables proving to be a surprising favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a layered tang that enhances the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and 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 tanginess. 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 grows in popularity, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer 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 on our menu. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians—many customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a mix of four regional chilies, each bringing its own flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has appealed especially to more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in prominence. Wild mushrooms lead the trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods 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 distinctive aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while offering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has become more than a trend. Building on hot honey’s popularity 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 gracing menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate simple pizza combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved 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-butters)
Whether you’re a purist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved dishes. At Crust & Ember, 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 us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!