Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the pizza scene, and 2023 is no exception. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we continuously track what captures pizza lovers’ imaginations worldwide. Here is our quick guide to the most exciting and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has moved into pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding novel texture to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may sound unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even dedicated meat fans.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni” are now regular menu additions. 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 enthusiasts have embraced specific regional chili varieties instead of generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor profile to different slices of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with rising interest in 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 distinct aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has firmly established itself as more than a passing fad. 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings that narrowly missed the 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 (notably cultured or herb compound butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or feel inspired to experiment with bold new 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 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 the next time you visit!