Each year ushers in fresh culinary movements for pizza, and 2023 is no different. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we keep a close watch on what’s delighting pizza fans across the globe. Here’s our take on the most exciting and crowd-pleasing toppings making headlines this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The gut-health movement has reached pizzerias, turning fermented vegetables into a surprise sensation. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver layered tang that balances the richness of cheese and sauce. Alongside probiotic benefits, these toppings bring lively textures to classic pies.
Our new “Fermentation Celebration” pie showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to mellow the tang. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialties.
2. Plant-Based Protein Options
As plant-forward dining grows, demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives has surged. Beyond staple veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins now satisfy even ardent meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea-protein “pepperoni” are now regulars on our menu. They’re not just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for unique flavors and a lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Peppers
Spice lovers, rejoice! This year, pizza enthusiasts are choosing specific regional chiles over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian peppers remain popular, and we’re seeing Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora chiles, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our “Global Heat” pizza features a quartet of regional chiles, each lending its distinct profile to a different quadrant. It’s a fiery journey that’s especially beloved by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Finds
Farm-to-table has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rise of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead the way, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up frequently when in season.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an aromatic twist. These ingredients connect guests to nature and offer flavors that simply can’t be mass-produced.
5. Specialty Honey Finishes
The sweet-savory play of honey has proven to be more than a fleeting fad. Building on the hot honey craze of recent years, 2023 has brought an explosion of specialty honeys drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Menus across the country now feature truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused varieties. These finishing drizzles add complexity and elevate even straightforward combinations to gourmet territory.
Noteworthy Extras
A few more toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still drawing attention:
- Cured egg yolks, finely microplaned over the pie like a golden flurry
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heirloom grain accents like crispy farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you favor timeless classics or crave daring new pairings, pizza remains one of the most flexible and beloved foods. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we celebrate tradition and innovation alike—that’s why you’ll find both a classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Got a unique favorite you’d love to see us add? Tell us in the comments or on your next visit!