Each year, the pizza industry encounters fresh trends that captivate the palates of pizza aficionados everywhere, and 2023 is no different. Here at Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we continually track what's tantalizing the taste preferences of those who love pizza. We present a curated list of the most buzzworthy and in-demand pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains focus, fermented vegetables are making a surprisingly successful leap onto pizza menus. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending complex, tangy flavors that pair well with the creamy consistency of the cheese and sauce. Not only are these toppings a source of probiotics, but they also add thrilling new textures to the classic pizza experience.
Our innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and a gorgonzola blend, all balanced with a sweet drizzle of local honey. While it may sound eclectic, it's fast becoming a highly sought-after option among our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people embrace plant-centered diets, the call for pizzas adorned with inventive meat alternatives has surged. These toppings go beyond standard vegetable options, with next-generation plant proteins that even dedicated carnivores find satisfying.
Choices such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit concoctions, and pea protein-based pepperoni now occupy a spot on our menu. These toppings are chosen not only by vegetarians but also by customers who are drawn to their distinctive flavors and less heavy impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Connoisseurs of spice are celebrating as pizza lovers have started favoring specific chilies from various regions over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, there's an emerging trend for distinct chilies like the savory Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the rich Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Spice Globe pizza offers an array of these diverse chilies, assigning a distinctive taste to each quarter of the pizza. This spicy foray has garnered popularity, especially with guests who enjoy daring flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The movement from farm-to-table has made a natural transition to include forest-sourced items on pizza, thanks to the growing allure of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which pop up seasonally.
Apart from mushrooms, our explorations have brought in wild spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even the distinctively aromatic spruce tips. These elements connect customers to nature and offer flavors that can't be replicated in farm environments.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The juxtaposition of honey's sweetness with savory elements has now become an entrenched favorite. Following the vogue of spicy honey, 2023 witnessed a variety of unique honey drizzles emerging atop pizzas just before they're served.
We've introduced truffle-infused honey, garlic-based fermented honey, mesquite honey with a hint of smoke, and even CBD-enriched honey. These drizzles add a layer of sophistication, transforming simple pizza choices into refined culinary creations.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings nearly made our list, creating buzz on the pizza scene:
- Carefully cured egg yolks, grated over pizza creating a lustrous garnish
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone varieties like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain accessories, including crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Specialty butters, including cultured or herbed compound varieties
Whether you lean towards timeless classics or you're open to exploring bold new flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the world's most versatile and cherished dishes. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we pay homage to classics while also celebrating innovation, which is why our menu features traditional Margherita alongside avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these current toppings? Or are there unique combinations you'd love us to introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!