Each year brings fresh culinary fads to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Brick & Ember Pizzeria, we continually watch which flavors captivate pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and buzzworthy toppings shaping the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has made its way onto pizzerias, with cultured vegetables becoming a surprising hit on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce intriguing new texture layers to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination might sound unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with imaginative meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins have brought options that satisfy even dedicated meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular fixtures on our menu. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each delivering its own flavor profile to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with more adventurous diners.
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 making frequent appearances when in season.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance created by honey has firmly established itself as more than just a passing trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from 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 infused honey are appearing 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 cracked 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 (particularly cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who prefers the classics or an adventurous eater eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Brick & Ember Pizzeria, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both classic 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 the next time you visit!