Each year reveals fresh culinary trends in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At ThreSholdCommonsPark, we continually monitor what captivates pizza enthusiasts 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 its way onto pies, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring intricate tangy notes that pair beautifully with cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new textural dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, yet 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 seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, 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 features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just 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 fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from prior years, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing appeal of seasonal foraged elements. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their 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 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. Following 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 are making appearances on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just 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 (especially cultured or herb-infused blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At ThreSholdCommonsPark, 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? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you stop by!