Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At HarborFoyerCenter, we continually monitor what captivates pizza fans around the globe. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising hit on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and also bring intriguing new textures to classic pizzas.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The idea might sound unconventional, but it’s quickly become 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 featuring innovative meat alternatives. Beyond traditional toppings, advances 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 standard on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chile 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 appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has been 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 ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making regular appearances in 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 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 fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey, 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 a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-infused blends)
Whether you’re a purist who leans toward the classics or an intrepid eater eager to try bold new combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At HarborFoyerCenter, 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 unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you drop by!