Each year ushers in fresh ideas for pizza, and 2024 is no different. At WillowNotebookGrove, we keep a close watch on what pizza fans around the world are craving. Here’s our take on the most exciting and widely loved toppings gaining traction right now.
1. Fermented Veggies
The gut-health movement has reached pizza counters, making fermented vegetables an unexpected star this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring bright, tangy complexity that pairs beautifully with rich cheese and sauce. Beyond probiotics, these toppings add lively textures that refresh classic slices.
Our new “Fermentation Celebration” pie showcases in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to round out the tartness. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-forward dining keeps growing, demand for pizzas with inventive meat-free options has surged. Moving past standard vegetables, advances in plant-based proteins now satisfy even devoted carnivores.
We feature plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea-protein “pepperoni.” They’re not just for vegetarians—many guests pick them for distinctive flavor and a lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice: 2024 favors specific regional chilies over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still fan favorites, 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 regional chilies, each highlighting a different flavor in its own quadrant. It’s a fiery, flavor-forward experience that adventurous diners are loving.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has evolved into woods-to-oven with the rise of foraged seasonal produce. Wild mushrooms lead the way—think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when they’re in season.
We’ve also tried spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a fresh, aromatic note. These ingredients connect guests to nature while offering flavors you can’t easily cultivate.
5. Specialty Honey Finishes
The sweet-savory magic of honey is here to stay. Building on the hot-honey craze of recent years, 2024 brings a surge of distinctive honey varieties drizzled just before serving.
Truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-smoked honey, and even CBD honey are appearing nationwide. These final touches add depth and elevate simple combinations into something gourmet.
Noteworthy Runners-Up
A few toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolk, finely grated over the pie like golden flakes
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain accents, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter (notably cultured or herb-infused compound butters)
Whether you’re devoted to timeless favorites or eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and adored foods. At WillowNotebookGrove, we respect tradition while chasing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both a classic Margherita and inventive specialty pies on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a creative combo you’d like us to offer? Share your ideas in the comments or tell us during your next visit!