Each year introduces fresh culinary trends into the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we track what’s captivating pizza enthusiasts across the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring tangy, layered flavors that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new textural dimensions 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
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer 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 menu staples. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice fans rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from previous years, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the crust. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with rising interest in 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 quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has cemented itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that almost made our top five but are still making an impact 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)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater open to bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Brick & Basil 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 is there a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!