Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Ember & Basil Pizzeria, we continually track what captures the taste buds of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings shaping the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has migrated to pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce layered tangy notes that complement the cheesiness and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding intriguing texture to 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 pairing might sound unconventional, but it’s fast becoming one of our most popular specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins present options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests opt for them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chile varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang showing up on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its distinct flavor 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 growing appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods common 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 unique aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as more than a fleeting fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in previous 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 pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the 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, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who leans on 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 Ember & 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you stop by!