Each year introduces fresh culinary movements in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, we continually track what captures pizza lovers' palates worldwide. Here's our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented veggies becoming a pleasant surprise on pizzas this season. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring intricate tangy notes that pair well with cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unusual, but it's quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to grow, demand for pizzas with creative meat alternatives has surged. Beyond traditional veggies, innovations in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even dedicated meat enthusiasts.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians—many of our guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a blend of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that has resonated with 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 vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as more than just a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has witnessed 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate simple pizza combos to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves 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 (especially cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you lean toward the classics or enjoy bold, new pairings, pizza remains one of the world's most adaptable and loved foods. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, 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 to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!