Each year ushers in fresh ideas for pizza, and 2024 is no different. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we keep a close eye on what pizza fans around the world are craving. Here’s our roundup of the most buzzworthy and widely loved toppings defining the scene this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The growing interest in gut-friendly foods has reached pizzerias, putting fermented vegetables in the spotlight. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring bright, tangy complexity that plays beautifully with rich cheese and sauce. Along with potential probiotic perks, these toppings deliver intriguing textures that refresh classic pies.
Our new “Fermentation Fiesta” pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to temper the zing. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty creations.
2. Plant-Based Protein Options
As plant-forward dining continues to rise, requests for inventive meat-free toppings have surged. Beyond the usual veggies, modern plant-based proteins are winning over even steadfast carnivores.
Think plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea-protein “pepperoni” — now staples on our menu. These choices appeal not only to vegetarians but also to guests seeking distinctive flavors and a lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts, celebrate! 2024 has diners seeking out distinct regional chilies instead of generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain favorites from prior years, and we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang featured on pies.
Our “World Heat” pizza layers four different regional chilies, each highlighting a unique flavor profile in separate quadrants. It’s a fiery journey that’s become a hit with adventurous eaters.
4. Seasonal Foraged Finds
Farm-to-table has evolved into woods-to-pie with a surge in seasonal foraged additions. Wild mushrooms lead the way, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods starring during their peak times.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic twist. These ingredients connect diners to nature while offering flavors impossible to replicate through conventional farming.
5. Specialty Honey Finishes
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has proven it’s more than a passing fad. Building on the hot honey craze, 2024 has brought a boom in distinctive honey varieties drizzled on pizzas right before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-smoked honey, and even CBD-infused varieties are appearing on menus nationwide. These final touches add depth and elevate even simple pies to gourmet territory.
Noteworthy Extras
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but still stand out include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a gold-speckled finish
- Pickled fruit, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain accents, such as crisped farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Dabs of artisanal butter (notably cultured or herb compound varieties)
Whether you’re a purist who loves the classics or a bold explorer seeking new flavor paths, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and adored foods. At Brick & Basil Pizzeria, we respect tradition while welcoming innovation — which is why you’ll find both a classic Margherita and forward-thinking specialty pies on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these rising toppings? Or do you have a standout combo you’d like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or tell us during your next visit!