Each year brings fresh culinary moves to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At LeveeBrookCommons, we're continually tracking what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute tangy, multi-layered flavors that complement the cheesiness and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding intriguing texture to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a kiss of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might seem unconventional, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating grows in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even devoted carnivores.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars 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 Variations
Heat seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties 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 appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor to different quadrants of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing 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 distinct aromatic note. 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 itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the hot honey craze from 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 combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated 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’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater open to bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At LeveeBrookCommons, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite combo you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!