Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the pizza scene, and 2023 is no exception. At ParapetAccessPoint, we continually track what captivates pizza lovers worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most intriguing and popular toppings shaping the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding new textural dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unconventional, but it’s becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-forward eating rising in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas topped with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional veggies, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even dedicated meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now standard features on our menu. These proteins appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, thanks to their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remained popular, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang started appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a blend of four regional chilies, each lending its own flavor to different sections of the crust. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially beloved by our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethos has expanded to forest-to-pizza with the rise of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequenting pies in their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners with nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory pairing of honey has solidified its place beyond a passing fad. Building on the hot honey craze of recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honeys 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 making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved 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 (notably cultured or herb-infused blends)
Whether you prefer the classics or crave bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world's most versatile and beloved foods. At ParapetAccessPoint, 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 is there a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!