Each year unveils fresh pizza trends, and 2024 is no different. At Crust & Fire Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on what delights pizza enthusiasts around the world. Here's our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has found its way into pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring complex tangy notes that pair well with the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural layers 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 may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining continues to grow, we’ve seen a significant uptick in demand for pizzas adorned with creative meat alternatives. Beyond the usual vegetable toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that appeal to even the most dedicated carnivores.
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 footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2024 has pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang showing up on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor profile to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s particularly popular with our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their peak seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has become more than a passing craze. Building on 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making an impression 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 (particularly cultured or herb-infused compounds)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous diner eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Fire Pizzeria, 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 to see us offer? Let us know in the comments or the next time you visit!