Each year brings fresh culinary directions to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At ArrangeHiddenQuick, we’re always keeping an eye on what’s capturing the palates of pizza lovers around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a growing focus on gut health, fermented vegetables have become a surprising favorite on pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions impart tangy, layered flavors that complement cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural dimensions 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 tang. The combination might sound unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas that showcase creative meat alternatives. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even dedicated meat enthusiasts.
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 customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers rejoice! In 2023, pizza lovers embraced specific regional chili varieties instead of 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 make appearances on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor profile to distinct sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s been especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, 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 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 solidified its place as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey, 2023 has seen a rush 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 across the country. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly 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 compound herb butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and beloved foods in the world. At ArrangeHiddenQuick, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both classic 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 to see us offer? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!