Each year introduces fresh culinary directions in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, we continuously track what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings impacting pies this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut wellness has found its way onto pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring rich tanginess that enhances the cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also add distinctive texture 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, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based dining continuing to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive 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 items. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a mix of four regional chilies, each bringing its distinct flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy journey that’s especially popular with our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has expanded into forest-to-pizza with the growing appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods regularly appearing during their seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic edge. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen 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 even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated 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 traditionalist who favors classics or an adventurous eater eager to explore bold pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, we honor heritage 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 is there a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!