Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At MeadowFordPass, we’re continually tracking what’s capturing the attention of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Growing interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce intricate tangy notes that pair well with the cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and bring new textural dimensions to classic 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 may seem unusual, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas that showcase inventive meat alternatives. Beyond ordinary vegetables, plant-based proteins now 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 regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure adored by our more daring 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 the trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing across 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 nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting fad. 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 gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves 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 butter blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and cherished foods. At MeadowFordPass, 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!