Each year, new fads emerge in the pizza world, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we continuously observe the flavors that captivate pizza connoisseurs globally. Below is our curated list of the most thrilling and sought-after pizza toppings for this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has made its mark on pizza menus, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite on pizzas. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with a complex sourness that harmonizes perfectly with the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only a source of probiotics but also add a burst of exciting new textures to the classic pizza base.
Our innovative Fermentation Celebration pizza stars in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped off with a hint of local honey to counterbalance the sour notes. This peculiar combination may strike one as odd, but it ranks as one of our top-requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has led to an increase in demand for pizzas adorned with alternative meat options. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins have provided choices that even appease the most ardent carnivores.
Toppings such as plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, jackfruit in a marinade mimicking 'pulled pork,' and pea protein designed to taste like 'pepperoni' have become staples on our menu. These alternatives attract not only vegetarians but also diners seeking distinct flavors and a lighter fare.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who seek a fiery flavor are embracing specific types of regional chilies over the generic red pepper flakes this year. While the appeal of Calabrian chilies persists, we’re now seeing a rise in the use of distinct peppers like the smoky Hispanic ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean condiment gochujang on our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza presents a mix of four different chilies, each imparting a burst of individual taste to each quarter of the pie. It's become a favorite amongst our more daring customers looking for a spicy gastronomic journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from forest to pizza has grown from the farm-to-table concept, with seasonal foraged items increasing in favor. Wild mushrooms are a frontrunner in this trend, with the likes of chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing on pizzas during their respective seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our experiments with wild leeks known as ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips have proven that nature offers flavors impossible to cultivate industrially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast of honey's sweetness with savory flavors has gained a stable footing, moving beyond a temporary fad. Specialty honeys like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and specialty honey varieties have exploded onto the scene in 2023, added to pizzas right before serving.
These gourmet drizzles contribute a layer of complexity and raise even the simplest pizza to a deluxe offering.
Honorable Mentions
Certain other toppings that narrowly missed making our top five but are still creating ripples include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted over pizzas like flakes of gold
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Toppings from heritage grains, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Dots of artisan butter, particularly varieties infused with herbs or cultures
Whether you adhere to the classic tastes or are eager to explore audacious new flavor pairings, pizza is among the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect the timeless classics while also embracing novel trends—that's why both the age-old Margherita and modern, avant-garde specialties are available on our menu.
Have the current trending toppings piqued your interest, or is there a distinctive favorite of yours you’d like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!