Every year brings fresh culinary directions to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, we continuously track what captures pizza lovers’ palates worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and widely loved toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising hit on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tangy complexity that complements the cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new textural dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle 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
With plant-based eating growing in popularity, we’ve seen a significant uptick in pizzas that showcase creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu features. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for distinct flavors and a lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! In 2023, pizza enthusiasts have embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also making appearances on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by the more adventurous guests.
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 appearing during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has become more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being 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 pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that nearly made the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned 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 (notably cultured or herb-compound 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 adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, we honor tradition while welcoming 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!