As each year unfolds, new gastronomic preferences emerge within the pizza industry, and the year 2023 does not disappoint. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we're diligently tracking the trends that entice pizza aficionados across the world. We are excited to share the most in-demand and thrilling pizza toppings that are the rage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected favorite topping this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing complex, sour flavors that enhance the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These fermented choices offer not only gut-friendly probiotics but also add new textural experiences to classic pizza flavors.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, loaded with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, and lightly drizzled with local honey for a sweet counterbalance, may initially seem peculiar, yet it's fast becoming one of our most sought-after customizable pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-based diets, the call for pizzas with innovative meat substitutes has soared. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based protein have introduced options that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
We’re serving up options like plant-based Italian sausage bits, tastefully prepared tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni on our pizza menu. These alternatives appeal not just to vegetarians but to those who enjoy their distinct tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chilies
For those who seek spicy flavors, 2023 is the year pizza enthusiasts embraced distinct regional chili types over the common crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a beloved choice, we're also seeing spice varieties like smoky Spanish ñora peppers, the fruity tones of Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste topping pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza brings together a mixture of four different chilies, each imparting its specific flavor to quarters of the pizza. It's a hot journey that’s been very popular with our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Wild Ingredients
The local farmers’ markets’ farm-to-table philosophy has evolved into the concept of forest-to-pizza, thanks to the growing interest in freshly foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, showcased on pizzas in their peak seasons.
Not stopping at mushrooms, we've included wild leeks known as ramps in the spring, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and fragrant spruce tips, each bringing a wildness and flavors you won't find in cultivated produce.
5. Artisanal Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory has certainly made its mark, with honey proving to be more than just a temporary fad. Following up on the popularity of spicy honey, 2023 has brought a range of specialty honey variants that are drizzled on pizzas right before serving.
Options such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are making their way onto pizzeria menus nationwide. These finishing drizzles contribute layers of depth and turn even the simplest pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings that have nearly made it into our top five, yet continue to create ripples, including:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a savory garnish
- Preserved fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Grains with heritage, like crunchy spelt or popped sorghum adding texture
- Gourmet butters, specifically those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether you're someone who treasures the timeless classics or a curious foodie eager to explore daring flavor mixes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we value timeless recipes while also welcoming new creations—that’s why our menu features both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde speciality pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or maybe you have an innovative topping combination you’d love to see offered? Share your thoughts in the comments, or drop by and tell us about it!