Each year ushers in fresh pizza trends, and 2024 is no different. At Ember & Crust Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on what pizza fans everywhere are craving. Below is our take on the most buzzworthy and beloved toppings gaining attention this season.
1. Cultured Vegetables
The gut-health movement has reached pizza menus, with cultured veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring layered, tangy notes that balance rich cheese and sauce. Beyond their probiotic perks, these toppings add lively textures to classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to soften the zing. It may seem unconventional, but it’s rapidly turning into one of our top-requested signatures.
2. Plant-Derived Proteins
As plant-forward dining keeps gaining traction, requests for pies with inventive meat-free options have surged. Moving past typical veggies, new plant proteins now offer choices that win over even devoted carnivores.
You’ll now find plant-style Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein pepperoni as staples on our menu. They’re popular beyond vegetarian diners—many guests pick them for their distinct tastes and easier feel after eating.
3. Region-Specific Chili Peppers
Spice lovers, take note! In 2024, fans are choosing distinct regional chilies over basic red pepper flakes. Calabrian peppers remain favorites, and we’re also spotting Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, bright Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza layers four regional chilies, each highlighting a different quadrant with its own character. It’s a fiery journey that’s a hit with bold eaters.
4. Seasonal Foraged Finds
The farm-to-table ethos has shifted toward forest-to-pizza as seasonal foraged items gain traction. Wild mushrooms lead the way—think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when they’re in season.
Beyond fungi, we’ve tried spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for distinctive aromatics. These elements bring diners closer to nature and deliver tastes you won’t get from conventional cultivation.
5. Signature Honey Drizzles
Honey’s sweet-savory play has moved well past a fad. Building on the rise of hot honey, 2024 has brought a boom in distinctive honey styles added at the finish.
Menus now feature truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused versions. These final flourishes add depth and can turn even minimal toppings into something refined.
Noteworthy Extras
A handful of near-misses still drawing attention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pie like a golden drift
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heirloom grain accents, e.g., crunchy farro or popped sorghum for extra bite
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-studded compound butters)
Whether you stick with time-honored choices or chase daring new mixes, pizza remains one of the most flexible and adored foods anywhere. At Ember & Crust Pizzeria, we respect the classics while pushing forward—so you’ll see both a timeless Margherita and inventive signature pies on our lineup.
Tried any of these on-trend toppings? Have a standout combo you want us to add? Share your thoughts in the comments or tell us during your next visit!