Each year ushers in fresh pizza ideas, and 2023 is no different. At Basil & Brick Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on what pizza fans worldwide are craving. Below is our take on the most buzzworthy and widely loved toppings shaping the scene this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The gut-health movement has reached the pizza oven, making fermented veggies an unexpected star in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver layered tang that plays beautifully with rich cheese and sauce. Besides probiotic perks, these toppings add new textures that refresh the classic pie.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pie pairs house-made sauerkraut and kimchi with gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to round out the acidity. It may seem unconventional, yet it’s rapidly turning into one of our most-ordered specialties.
2. Plant-Based Protein Picks
As plant-forward dining keeps surging, demand for pizzas with inventive meat-free options has climbed. Beyond the usual veggies, new plant-based proteins offer choices that win over even avid carnivores.
You’ll now find plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein pepperoni on our lineup. They’re popular beyond vegetarian diners—many pick them for distinctive taste and a gentler feel.
3. Regional Chili Peppers
Spice lovers, celebrate: instead of generic pepper flakes, pizza fans in 2023 are leaning into distinct regional chilies. Calabrian peppers remain a staple, and we’re also spotting Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and even Korean gochujang on pies.
Our Global Heatwave pizza layers four regional chilies, each highlighting a different quadrant with its own character. It’s a fiery journey that’s a hit with bold palates.
4. Seasonal Foraged Finds
Farm-to-table has morphed into woods-to-oven as foraged seasonal ingredients gain traction. Wild mushrooms lead the way—chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods show up frequently when in season.
Beyond fungi, we’ve tried spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for distinctive aromatics. They ground the experience in nature and deliver flavors you won’t get from conventional farming.
5. Specialty Honey Finishes
The sweet-meets-savory magic of honey is no fad. Riding the wave of hot honey’s rise, 2023 brought a surge of unique honey styles drizzled on pies right before they hit the table.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused varieties are popping up nationwide. A final drizzle adds depth and can turn simple builds into something gourmet.
Notable Extras
A few more toppings just outside our top five, yet making noise, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pie like golden flakes
- Pickled fruit, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain add-ons—think crunchy farro or popped sorghum—for extra texture
- Small scoops of premium butter (notably cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you love timeless standards or enjoy testing daring new pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored foods. At Basil & Brick Pizzeria, we respect tradition and chase innovation—so you’ll see both a classic Margherita and inventive signature pies on our menu.
Tasted any of these trending toppings yet? Have a distinctive combo you want us to create? Share in the comments or tell us on your next visit!