Each year introduces fresh culinary directions in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At UrbanMirrorGarden, we continuously track what captures pizza lovers’ palates worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making an impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut wellness has reached pizzerias, with pickled and fermented veggies turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring tangy, layered flavors that complement the cheesiness and sauce. These toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural elements to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unusual, yet it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to grow, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer choices that satisfy even die-hard meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu features. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many guests choose them for distinctive flavors and a lighter digestive 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 stayed popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four regional chilies, each delivering its own flavor across different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with growing interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms take the lead, 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 to impart a distinct aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has become more than a fleeting trend. 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 even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
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 crunch
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-butter blends)
Whether you lean toward tradition or crave bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At UrbanMirrorGarden, we honor heritage while welcoming invention—that’s why our menu features both classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!