Each year brings fresh culinary innovations to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At QuayMeadowCommons, we continually track what captures the palate of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has landed on pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into 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 fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new textural dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unconventional, yet it’s quickly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining grows in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, advances in plant-based proteins offer 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 menu features. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remained popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pie features a blend of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor profile to different sections of the pizza. It’s a fiery adventure that has proved especially popular with bolder diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequently featured during 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 firmly established 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 appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves 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 (particularly cultured or herb-butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or enjoy bold, new combinations, pizza continues to be one of the globe’s most versatile and beloved foods. At QuayMeadowCommons, 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 is there a unique combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!