Each year introduces fresh culinary directions for pizza, and 2024 is no exception. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, we keep an eye on what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our take on the most thrilling and popular toppings that have been making waves.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut wellness has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute tangy complexity that pairs well with cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new texture dimensions to traditional pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tang. The pairing might seem unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to rise, we’ve seen a notable boost in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, advances in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embracing specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from earlier years, but we’re now spotting Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pie offers a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by our more daring guests.
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 during 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 note. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors not easily produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Following the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2024 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 the top five but are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated 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-butter blends)
Whether you favor timeless classics or bold, exploratory pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At Crust & Crown Pizzeria, 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!