Each year introduces fresh flavor movements in the pizza world, and 2024 is no different. At Ember & Basil Pizzeria, we constantly track what’s delighting pizza fans worldwide. Below is our take on the most buzzworthy and in-demand toppings shaping the scene this season.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The gut-health movement has reached the pizza counter, making fermented veggies an unexpected star this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring layered, tangy notes that play beautifully with rich cheese and sauce. Beyond probiotics, these add-ons contribute lively textures that refresh classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza pairs house-crafted sauerkraut and kimchi with gorgonzola, then gets a touch of local honey to round out the acidity. It may seem unconventional, yet it’s rapidly turning into one of our top-ordered signatures.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-forward dining surges, demand for pizzas with inventive meat-free proteins has spiked. Moving past simple veggie toppings, new plant proteins deliver choices that win over even steadfast carnivores.
You’ll now find plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein pepperoni as menu staples. They appeal far beyond vegetarians—plenty of guests pick them for distinctive taste and an easier feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, celebrate! In 2024, pizza fans are choosing distinctive regional chilies over basic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain favorites, and we’re also spotlighting Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza layers four regional chilies, each highlighting a distinct flavor in its own quadrant. It’s a fiery journey that’s a hit with bold eaters.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has morphed into from-forest-to-pizza as seasonal foraged items gain traction. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront—think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when their seasons peak.
Beyond fungi, we’ve tried spring ramps (wild leeks), ocean greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a singular aroma. These additions link guests to nature and deliver flavors you won’t find in cultivated crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey’s sweet-savory magic is now a staple rather than a fad. Building on the hot-honey craze, 2024 has brought a boom in specialty honeys drizzled right before the pie hits the table.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused varieties are showing up nationwide. These final flourishes add depth and can turn even straightforward pies into something upscale.
Honorable Mentions
A few other contenders that nearly cracked the top five yet are still making waves 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 grains for crunch, like crisped farro or popped sorghum
- Dabs of artisanal butter (notably cultured or herb-compound butters)
Whether you cherish the classics or love bold, novel pairings, pizza remains one of the most flexible and adored foods on the planet. At Ember & Basil Pizzeria, we respect heritage while pushing forward—which is why our menu spans from timeless Margherita to boundary-pushing signatures.
Tried any of these buzzworthy toppings? Got a standout combo you want us to add? Share in the comments or tell us on your next visit!