Each year ushers in fresh pizza trends, and 2024 is no different. At Ember & Crust Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on what delights pizza fans around the world. Here’s our selection of the most exciting and buzzworthy toppings making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The wellness spotlight on digestion has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprise favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver bright, tangy complexity that balances rich cheese and sauce. Along with potential probiotic perks, these toppings add lively textures to beloved classics.
Our Fermentation Celebration pie showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to round out the tang. It might seem unconventional, but it’s rapidly turning into one of our most requested signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Protein Options
As plant-forward dining continues to grow, demand has surged for pizzas built around inventive meat-free proteins. Beyond standard veggies, new plant-based options are winning over even devoted meat eaters.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea-protein “pepperoni” are now fixtures on our menu. They’re not just for vegetarians—many guests pick them for their distinctive flavors and lighter feel.
3. Chilies from Specific Regions
Spice lovers, celebrate! In 2024, pizza fans are choosing particular regional chilies over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain a hit, and we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang showing up on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza layers four different regional chilies, each bringing its signature character to a separate quadrant. It’s a fiery journey that’s especially beloved by adventurous eaters.
4. Wild, Seasonal Finds
Farm-to-table has morphed into forest-to-pie with the rise of foraged, seasonal ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead the charge—think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when they’re in season.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve tried spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These picks connect diners to the outdoors while offering flavors you can’t easily cultivate.
5. Gourmet Honey Finishes
The sweet-savory interplay of honey is now firmly established. Building on the hot-honey craze, 2024 has brought a wave of specialty honeys drizzled on 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 pies to restaurant-quality fare.
Noteworthy Extras
A handful of near-misses still turning heads:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pies like a golden drift
- Pickled fruit, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grains—think crunchy farro or popped sorghum—for extra texture
- Small dollops of artisanal butter (especially cultured or herb compound varieties)
Whether you lean classic or chase adventurous combinations, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and beloved foods. At Ember & Crust Pizzeria, we respect tradition and welcome innovation—that’s why our menu spans from timeless Margherita to cutting-edge specialty creations.
Tried any of these trending toppings? Have a unique combination you’d love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or tell us on your next visit!