Each year ushers in fresh pizza innovations, and 2024 is no different. At Fire & Flour Pizzeria, we constantly track what’s winning over pizza fans worldwide. Here’s our take on the most buzzworthy and beloved toppings shaping the scene this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The gut-health movement has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming an unexpected favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver layered tang that cuts through rich cheese and sauce. These toppings bring probiotic benefits and add lively textures to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to temper the tang. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly turning into one of our most requested specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-forward eating keeps gaining momentum, demand has surged for pizzas featuring inventive meat-free options. Beyond standard veggies, modern plant-based proteins offer satisfying flavor and bite—even for devoted meat eaters.
On our menu, you’ll find plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein pepperoni. They’re not just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive taste and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice! In 2024, pizza enthusiasts are embracing specific regional chilies instead of generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, and we’re seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang topping pies.
Our Global Heat pizza layers four regional chilies, each bringing its own profile to a different quadrant. It’s a fiery adventure that’s especially beloved by our most daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rise of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead the way—chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appear regularly in their peak seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be easily cultivated.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey’s sweet-savory contrast has proven to be more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey, 2024 has seen a surge of specialty honeys drizzled on pizzas right before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate even simple combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few near-misses still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pie like a golden flurry
- Pickled fruit, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heirloom grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter (particularly cultured or herb compound butters)
Whether you’re a purist who prefers the classics or an adventurous eater eager for bold new combos, pizza remains one of the most flexible and beloved foods. At Fire & Flour Pizzeria, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both a timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Tried any of these trending toppings? Or have a unique favorite combo you’d like us to offer? Share it in the comments or tell us on your next visit!