Each year introduces fresh culinary movements in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At PlateauAccessWay, we continuously track what excites pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most intriguing and widely loved toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has found its way onto pizzas, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings also offer probiotic benefits and add exciting new textures to classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s quickly turning into one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a marked increase in demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond the usual veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted carnivores.
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 reserved for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestion footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than 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 appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy journey that’s especially popular with more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining ground. 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 distinct aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners with the natural world while offering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has become a lasting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from 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 appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved over pizza like golden snow
- 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-butters)
Whether you’re a purist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At PlateauAccessWay, 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 is there a distinctive favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!