Each year introduces fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we continually track what captures pizza lovers’ palates around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and widely-loved toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising hit on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring intricate tangy notes that pair well with the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural dynamics to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may seem unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas featuring imaginative meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, advances in plant-based proteins have brought options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular from prior years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its distinctive flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a fiery adventure that’s especially popular with bolder 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 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 unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature 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 passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making a splash 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 (especially cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who leans into the classics or an adventurous eater open to bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved dishes. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we honor heritage while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both timeless 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 stop by!