Each year brings fresh culinary directions to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we continually track what’s capturing pizza lovers’ palates worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has migrated to pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and also bring novel texture 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 counter the tang. The combination may seem unusual, yet it’s quickly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetable toppings, advances in plant-based proteins now offer options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become regular menu items. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts, rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced distinct regional chili 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 appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different quadrants of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with growing interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up 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 cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. 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 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 narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, 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-compound butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who leans toward the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most flexible 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 next time you visit!