Each year brings fresh directions in pizza cuisine, and 2023 is no exception. At HarborLightWay, we stay attuned to what excites pizza lovers across the globe. Here is our roundup of the most compelling and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with cultured vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce rich, tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce novel textural elements to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unconventional, yet it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable increase in pizzas that showcase inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even die-hard meat fans.
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 only for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chili 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 pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a blend of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure 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 traction. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to nature while offering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance provided by honey has become more than a fleeting trend. Building on hot honey’s popularity, 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 simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves 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 (particularly cultured or herb-infused compound butters)
Whether you lean toward the classics or enjoy bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and loved foods. At HarborLightWay, 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!