Each year brings fresh dining movements to the realm of pizza, and 2023 proved no exception. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we continuously track what resonates with pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Viewing gut wellness as a focal point, fermented toppings have become a pleasant surprise on pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tang, balancing the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy additions offer probiotic benefits while adding new textural layers to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a local honey drizzle to temper the tang. It may sound unusual, yet it’s quickly become one of our most demanded specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating gains traction, we’ve seen a notable rise in pizzas built around inventive meat alternatives. Beyond the usual vegetables, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even dedicated 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 only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pie showcases a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table trend has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in prominence. Wild mushrooms lead this movement, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance of honey has solidified as more than a fleeting trend. Building on hot honey’s popularity, 2023 saw 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 gaining traction 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 (notably cultured or herb-butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who prefers classics or an adventurous eater eager for bold pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile 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!