As we transition into each new year, the pizza realm welcomes fresh food trends, and 2023 has seen its fair share of innovative toppings. At Crust & Garnish Pizzeria, we're constantly exploring new flavors that are winning over pizza devotees worldwide. Discover the top pizza toppings that are dominating the scene this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
Interest in digestive health has spilled over into the pizza industry, with fermented veggies emerging as a crowd favorite on pies in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing rich, tangy notes that beautifully counterbalance the creaminess of cheese and pizza sauce. Not only do these fermented choices offer gut-friendly probiotics, but they also add intriguing textures to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a new sensation on our menu, gathering house-prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finalized with a hint of local honey to smooth out the sourness. While the mix may appear atypical, it's quickly securing its place as one of our most sought-after distinctive creations.
2. Veggie-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has not only persisted but intensified. As such, the call for pizzas garnished with imaginative meat substitutes has skyrocketed. Moving past your usual veggie toppings, the latest innovations in vegetable-based proteins provide choices that can even impress staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples in our repertoire. These substitutes proceed to draw interest not only from vegetarians but from those who appreciate their distinct tastes and the benefits of a lighter digestibility.
3. Speciality Regional Chilies
Those inclined towards spicier fare are embracing specialized regional chili varieties, stepping away from the usual red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be beloved as spicy toppings, but now we’re integrating peppers like the Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies offering a smoky hint, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang to our pizzas.
The International Pepper pizza offers a fiery mixture of four distinct types of regional chilies, each bringing a unique burst of flavor across different pizza sections. This spicy globe-trotting treat has especially gained appeal with our most adventurous customers.
4. Foraged Seasonal Ingredients
The farm-to-table initiative has morphed, now bringing the concept of foraging directly to pizza toppings. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing our pizzas more frequently and in alignment with their seasons of growth.
We've branched out into using spring ramps, ocean greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These elements offer diners a connection to our planet while delivering tastes that cannot be replicated through conventional cultivation.
5. Unique Honey Glazes
The delightful play between savory and sweet from honey on pizza has entrenched itself in the world of culinary trends. Expanding from the previous hit of spicy honey, the year 2023 has witnessed a rise in exotic honey variations being graced over pizzas right before they are served.
Rarities like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey have been spotted on restaurant menus throughout the nation. These last-minute additions infuse a layer of sophistication, transforming even the simplest of pizzas into an upscale dish.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that nearly made our top list but are still leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza, resembling a dusting of golden snow
- Preserved fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain adornments, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Specialty butter spots, especially cultured or mixed herbal butters
Whether your preference lies with timeless classic toppings or you have the palate for adventurous new blends, pizza continues to reign as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At Crust & Garnish Pizzeria, we pay tribute to time-honored recipes while also heralding culinary ingenuity—our offerings range from the traditional Margherita to avant-garde gourmet pizzas.
Which of these trending toppings have you experienced? Or is there a distinctive favorite you'd like to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!