Every year brings fresh culinary influences to the realm of pizza, and 2023 was no exception. At MeadowGentleHidden, we continually track what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and widely embraced toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that complement the cheese and sauce, offering probiotic benefits and introducing new textural dynamics 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 unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
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 distinct 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 remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a blend of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s particularly popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has progressed to forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequently appearing 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 distinct aromatic touch. 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 established itself as more than a fleeting fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled onto pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-free honey appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed the top five are still making waves:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-forward)
Whether you prefer the classics or enjoy bold, innovative pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At MeadowGentleHidden, we honor tradition while embracing novelty—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 you’d love to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!