Every year introduces fresh culinary movements to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we continually track what’s captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most thrilling and widely embraced toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Focus on gut health has found its way onto pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add layered tangy notes that complement the cheese and sauce’s richness. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce exciting new textures 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 may sound unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing 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 steadfast meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu fixtures. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in for a treat! 2023 has witnessed pizza fans embracing specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular from earlier years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang showing up on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each bringing its own flavor profile to different portions of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has been especially popular among our 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 appearing throughout 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 cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen an explosion 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 nuance and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our 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, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or compound herb butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!