Each year brings fresh culinary ideas to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At SilverPlantWindow, we continuously track what captures pizza enthusiasts’ imaginations worldwide. Here’s our snapshot of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a growing emphasis on gut-friendly options, pickled and cultured vegetables have become a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce lively tangy notes that balance the cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to offset the tang. It might sound unconventional, but it’s quickly rising to one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers, rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing distinct regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chiles remain popular, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a blend of four regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the slice. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by the more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients growing in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods in their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive 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 of honey has proven to be more than a fleeting trend. Building on the hot honey craze 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 combos to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, sprinkled 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 (notably cultured or herb-based butter blends)
Whether you prefer timeless classics or bold, new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At SilverPlantWindow, 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 combination you’d like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!