As pizza continues to evolve, each year introduces new trends to pizza aficionados, and 2023 has been no different. At Crust & Dreamery, our attention is always fixed on which flavors are capturing the world's pizza lovers' palettes. Here are the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's importance has spilt over into the pizzeria world, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas. Traditional pies are getting a twist with the introduction of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, which add a complex zestiness that pairs well with the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings come with the added bonus of probiotics, and they lend new, intriguing textures to pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes a spread of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a honey drizzle from the local beehives to soften the sharpness. This unique fusion has quickly climbed the ranks to be a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-centered diets has led to an uptick in requests for innovative meat substitutes on pizzas. Far from ordinary veggies, the latest plant-based protein developments invite even staunch carnivores to partake.
We now sprinkle our pizzas with toppings like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings have garnered fans not only among vegetarians but also those who love their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is the year for those who crave a spicy kick on their pizza, with enthusiasts preferring specific regional chili varieties over plain red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be cherished from prior years, we're seeing other types like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang splashed across pizzas.
Global Heat, our pizza offering, features a selection of four diverse chilies, each giving a distinct flavor to each segment of the pizza. It's become a sought-after choice for our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Local foraging has become the new trend, riding on the farm-to-table wave, with wild-picked ingredients climbing in popularity for toppings. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear during their natural harvesting times.
Our exploration extends beyond fungi to include spring ramps (wild leeks), marine greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips that offer an uncommon fragrant essence. These natural ingredients bring unique tastes known to the wilderness straight to the dining table.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's perfect counterbalance to savory notes has found a permanent place in the world of pizza. Progressing from the buzz around spicy honey in recent years, the application of various specialty honeys is now a popular finish on pizzas right before they reach the table.
Diverse varieties such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-infused honey are being featured more frequently. These honeys not only enhance flavors but also transform even the simplest pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
While these didn't make our top five, here are other toppings that are creating a buzz:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami experience
- Pickled fruits, with a special shoutout to stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Toppings utilizing heritage grains for a crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, especially those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Pizza's adaptable nature allows it to remain a favorite, whether you stick to traditional toppings or opt for bold contemporary flavors. At Crust & Dreamery, we honor the classic while celebrating the new, making sure our menu has room for both signature Margherita and innovative pizzas.
Experienced these new topping trends? Do you have a unique favorite that you would suggest for our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!