Each year introduces fresh culinary ideas to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At QuaySideForum, we continually track what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has found its way onto pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding new textural dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unconventional, but it's swiftly 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, innovations in plant-based proteins provide 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 on our menu. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans have embraced specific regional chilies rather than 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 appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a fiery adventure that has appealed especially to our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms take the lead, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing across seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has solidified 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 gracing menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but remain prominent 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-butter blends)
Whether you favor the classics or crave bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the globe’s most versatile and beloved foods. At QuaySideForum, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both a timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!