Each calendar year introduces fresh culinary moves in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At ComposeMountharVest, we continuously track what tends to win the hearts of pizza fans worldwide. Here’s our snapshot of the toppings that are driving buzz and popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut wellness has found its way onto pizza menus, with jars of fermented produce becoming a surprising favorite on pies this season. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute layered tanginess that pairs well with cheese and sauce. These pickled toppings also offer probiotic benefits and introduce new textural dimensions to traditional slices.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tang. It may sound unusual, but it’s rapidly turning into one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-forward eating grows, we’ve seen a notable rise in pizzas that showcase inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins bring 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 features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts rejoice! In 2023, pizza lovers have embraced specific regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pie features a quartet of regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor profile to different quadrants of the crust. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially liked by our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients on the rise. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to add a distinct aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has cemented itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being 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 a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved 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-infused)
Whether you’re a purist who sticks to the classics or an Adventurous eater eager to try bold new combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At ComposeMountharVest, 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 favorite you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!