Each year brings fresh culinary directions to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At OpenFieldCollect, we keep an eye on what captures pizza enthusiasts’ palates worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings that have been making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has found its way onto pizzas, with fermented veg becoming a surprising favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also bring novel texture dimensions to classic pizza.
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 combination might seem unusual, but it’s quickly turning into one of our most-requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to gain traction, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas that showcase inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins have introduced options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
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 just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a mix of four different regional chilies, each bringing its distinctive flavor to different sections of the pie. 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 lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being 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 combos to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater open to bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At OpenFieldCollect, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both a classic 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? Let us know in the comments or the next time you visit!