Every year brings fresh culinary trends to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At SaltMarshCommonsField, we continually track what excites pizza lovers worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most intriguing and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring tangy, multifaceted flavors that complement cheesy richness and saucy notes. 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, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unusual, but it’s quickly become one of our most popular specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining grows, we’ve seen demand rise for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins provide 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 features. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to distinct sections 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 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 explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique 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 contrast of honey has solidified its place as more than a passing fad. Building on hot honey’s popularity 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 combos to gourmet levels.
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-infused butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At SaltMarshCommonsField, 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 combo you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!