The pizza scene is ever-evolving, with 2023 introducing new tastes that have captivated pizza aficionados worldwide. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we're avidly tracking these changes to see what flavors and textures are currently in vogue. Below, we present the top pizza toppings that are making a splash in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a greater emphasis on gut health in recent times, fermented vegetables have made an unexpected surge in pizza popularity. Varieties like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing rich, tangy notes that perfectly contrast the creamy qualities of traditional cheese and tomato bases, while also offering the health benefits of probiotics and adding novel textural layers to pizzas.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a testament to this trend, with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese paired with a sweet local honey drizzle to soften the sharp edges. While this might seem like an unconventional pairing, it's fast becoming a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets continue to gain momentum, leading to an increase in customer interest for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. We've leveled up from ordinary veggies to a new tier of plant-based protein alternatives that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
Items like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, seasoned jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and a pea protein-based pepperoni have become regular offerings. These aren’t just for those who avoid meat – their unique taste and digestibility make them a choice for many.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who fancy a bit of heat are exploring a range of specific chili varieties for their pizzas, moving beyond the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies stay strong in reputation, but now peppers like the Aleppo, smoky ñora from Spain, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also joining the ranks.
Our World of Spice pie takes diners on a tour of heat with a selection of four distinct regional chilies, with each providing its unique taste to a different section of the pizza. This creation has been a hit with those looking for a culinary adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Taking the farm-to-table concept to the next level, forest-foraged toppings are gaining traction, bringing a slice of nature to pizza enthusiasts. Leading this wild movement are mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake, featured during their peak seasons.
In addition to fungi, ingredients such as wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips have been explored on our pizzas, offering an unreplicable connection to the environment and a burst of fresh, non-cultivable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to complement savory notes has secured its place as more than just a fad. Following the trend set by spicy honey, 2023 has welcomed a variety of special honey drizzles employed just before serving pizza.
Our selections have grown to include delicacies such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey. Their addition can transform a basic pie into a premium gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
A couple of other toppings that are also trending, though not making the top five, include:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks adorning the pizza in a veil of golden dust
- Pickled fruit, notably stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Grains with heritage, such as crispy spelt or toasted amaranth for added crunch
- Small spots of artisan butter, specifically those infused with herbs or cultured for added tang
No matter if you're a fan of classic tastes or someone who enjoys experimental flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes globally. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we revere the old-school while also welcoming the new. That’s why our menu features both traditional and innovatively topped pizzas.
Have you experienced any of these contemporary toppings? Or do you have a special blend in mind that you’d love to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comment section or let us know on your next visit.