Each year brings fresh culinary trends to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At OrganizeBlueOpen, we continuously monitor what captures the palates of pizza lovers around the globe. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has found a place on pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising hit on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add layered tangy flavors that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings provide probiotic benefits and introduce intriguing texture variations 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 tanginess. The combination may sound unconventional, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve observed a notable uptick in pizzas featuring creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetable toppings, innovations 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 regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its distinct flavor profile to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure 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 growing interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making frequent appearances in their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. 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 created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey in 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 appear on menus across the country. 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, 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 compound herb butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or you're an adventurous eater open to bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world's most adaptable and beloved foods. At OrganizeBlueOpen, 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!