Each year brings fresh culinary influences to the pizza world, and 2023 is no exception. At HarborClearing, we continuously track what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our rundown of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making an impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add intriguing texture to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to temper the tanginess. The pairing may sound 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 veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even fervent 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 customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 has witnessed 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 appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its distinct flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with bolder diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their respective 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 nature while offering flavors that aren’t easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has solidified itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on 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 simple pizza combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated 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’re a traditionalist who favors classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At HarborClearing, we honor heritage 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 next time you visit!