Every year brings fresh culinary currents to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At HearthStoneFoyer, we continually track what captures the taste buds of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most intriguing and popular pizza toppings making an impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut wellness has found its way onto pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the creaminess of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic perks and also bring novel texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may sound unconventional, yet it’s rapidly become one of our top-requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve observed a notable uptick in demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond the usual vegetable toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now common on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in for a treat! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from earlier years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor profile to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy journey that has been especially popular with our 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 appearing regularly 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 distinctive aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be sustainably produced on a large scale.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance created by honey has solidified 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still turning heads 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)
Whether you prefer the classics or you’re an adventurous eater eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At HearthStoneFoyer, 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!