The pizza scene never ceases to evolve with each year shining light on new favorite toppings. At CrumblePlate, keeping a pulse on global pizza topping trends is part of what we do. We're excited to present a list of top pizza add-ons that are dominating in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in digestive wellness has found its way into pizza kitchens, turning fermented veggies into unexpected crowd-pleasers. The sharp flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a zesty counterbalance to traditional cheeses and sauces. Besides their gut-friendly properties, these elements bring a new twist on texture to classic pizza profiles.
Fermentation Fiesta is our latest creation, boasting in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all sweetened with a touch of local honey—a unique mix, now among our bestselling pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the wave of plant-based diets surges, the call for meatless alternatives on pizzas has grown considerably. Instead of the usual veggie options, we're now providing plant-centric proteins that impress carnivores alike.
We feature inventive toppings like plant-based Italian sausage chunks, zesty tempeh, jackfruit as a substitute for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni. These options appeal not just to vegetarians but also to customers looking for distinctive tastes and a less heavy eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those chasing heat, gourmet pizzas are showcasing specific chili types over the classic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain in demand, we're also seeing a rise in the use of unique peppers such as Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a selection of these chilies, assigning each a separate quarter of the pie for a worldwide spicy tour preferred by our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection to the land continues to deepen with wild foraged ingredients climbing the popularity ladder. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels, which garner attention during their natural growing cycles.
We're also serving up under-the-radar garnishes like wild leeks, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips, which contribute distinctive flavors that farm cultivation can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory is winning over palates with specialty honey becoming a favored final touch on pizzas just before they’re served.
Exotic varieties such as truffle honey, garlic honey, mesquite-infused honey, and CBD-enriched honey are enhancing dishes from coast to coast. These drizzles lend depth and sophistication to basic pizzas, turning them into exquisite delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings that narrowly missed making our main list but are garnering attention include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a dusting of rich flavor
- Pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Whole grain accents, such as crisp farro or puffed sorghum adding crunch
- Specialty butters, including cultured and herb-infused variations, in small dollops
No matter if you're a purist who swears by timeless classics or an explorer eager for new flavor harmonies, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At CrumblePlate, we honor timeless recipes as much as we celebrate newfangled creations—that's evident in offerings that span from a trusty Margherita to avant-garde custom pies.
Have you indulged in these trendy toppings yet? Or perhaps you have an inventive mixture you wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by to discuss your ideas!