Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At CrossWellCollective, we continually track what captures pizza enthusiasts’ palates worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most thrilling and sought-after toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Focus on gut health has made its way onto pizzerias’ menus, with pickled veggies turning into a surprising favorite on pies this season. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tangy complexity that complements cheesy richness and sauce. These fermented accents offer probiotic benefits and add exciting texture to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, yet it’s swiftly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even dedicated carnivores.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu fixtures. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, but we’re seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in prominence. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing as their seasons permit.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens 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 farmed in the same way.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast from 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 finishing 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, shaved over pizza like a golden dusting
- 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-butters)
Whether you prefer timeless classics or bold, experimental pairings, pizza remains one of the world's most versatile and beloved foods. At CrossWellCollective, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both the classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!