As each year passes, new culinary waves sweep through the pizza scene, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we keep an eye on the flavours that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our list of the top pizza toppings that are all the rage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The interest in digestive health has spilled over into the realm of pizzas, with fermented veggies making an unexpected surge on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with intricate, tart flavors that balance out the creamy cheese and robust sauces. These fermented options offer not just probiotic goodness but also add new textural contrasts to classic pizzas.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza displays a selection of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped with a splash of local honey to counter the sourness. It might appear to be a peculiar blend, but it's quickly climbing the ranks as one of our highly sought-after unique pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets shows no signs of waning, leading to a notable uptick in plant-powered pizzas catered to meat alternative seekers. Beyond just vegetable toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have provided choices that even die-hard carnivores find satisfying.
Options such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These proteins are not solely for vegetarians—they're chosen by many due to their distinct tastes and their gentleness on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a bit of fiery flavor, 2023 is the year of embracing specific regional chili varieties over the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to hold their ground, we're also noticing the appearance of Aleppo peppers, Spanish smoky ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza brings together a selection of these regional chilies, each imparting its distinctive flavor to different sections of the pizza. It's a spice-loaded journey gaining popularity with our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has extended from fields to forests with the increased popularity of seasonal foraged elements. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are spotted on pizzas in sync with the seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we're experimenting with wild ramps (leeks), marine botanicals like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinct aroma. These ingredients connect customers to the wilderness and offer irreplaceable flavors that aren't achievable through domestic cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to contrast sweet and savory has established it as more than just a passing fancy. Expanding upon the success of spicy honey in the past, 2023 has seen a variety of special honey types being drizzled over pizzas right before serving.
Honeys with the essence of truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even honeys infused with herbs are enhancing pizzas nationwide. These unique final touches add complexity and can transform even simple pies into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that barely missed the top five but are nevertheless impacting the pizza landscape include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded over pizzas for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Whole grain garnishes, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding crunch
- Gourmet butter spots (particularly cultured or mixed herb butters)
Whether you stick to classic choices or are willing to explore audacious new blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we honor the classics and welcome innovation—that's how classic Margheritas share our menu with our innovative specialty pies.
Have you had the pleasure of trying any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a special pizza topping combo you'd like to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!