Each year introduces fresh trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 is no different. At EmberLeafStudio, our focus is on the toppings electrifying pizza aficionados worldwide. We're proud to present the top pizza toppings of 2023 that are currently the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains interest, fermented vegetables are taking pizzerias by storm, offering zesty flavors that perfectly offset the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, enhance pizzas with their probiotic benefits and welcome new textures.
Our Fermentation Celebration pizza, topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, and a sweet drizzle of local honey, is a crowd-pleaser that's earning acclaim for its unconventional yet irresistible flavors.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets is reflected in the growing popularity of meat-free options on pizzas. Beyond the usual veggies, innovations in plant-based proteins, like plant-based sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni, are now menu staples at our restaurant. These additions cater to all our customers, offering distinctive flavors and a more digestible alternative.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has welcomed the shift towards specific chili varietals, moving away from generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to charm, other types like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are spicing up our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza is a hot favorite, crafted with a blend of four chilies, each representing different global regions and flavors, catering to those who love a fiery taste.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal foraged produce, like wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are increasingly appearing on pizzas during their peak seasons, thanks to the farm-to-pizza trend.
We've also incorporated wild ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, introducing flavors that commercial cultivation cannot replicate, and connecting customers with the wilderness.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet-savory flavor profile has become a staple, with 2023 bringing a variety of unique honey drizzles like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey. These drizzles add a layer of complexity, transforming simple pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Other notables that didn't make our top five but deserve mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, adding a golden touch
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Textures from heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Flavored butter additions, including cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether you're a purist who loves classic flavors or an intrepid taster eager for new experiences, pizza remains a versatile and universally beloved dish. At EmberLeafStudio, we respect historic flavors while also exploring contemporary tastes—that's why you'll find both timeless Margherita and our latest specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these new toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have an innovative combination you'd like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!