Each year unveils new gustatory fashions in the realm of pizza-making, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we diligently follow which flavors are enchanting pizza aficionados globally. We present to you our list of the top pizza toppings that are the talk of the town this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut wellness continues to gain focus, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected favorite on pizzas this year. Toppings such as kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions introduce a complex sour taste that enhances the creamy cheese and robust sauce. Besides their probiotic advantages, these fermented selections add intriguing new textures to the classic pizza makeup.
Take for example our Festival of Fermentation pie, which includes our in-house pickled cabbage, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped off with a splash of local honey for a sweet note against the sharp flavors. Though it might seem out of the ordinary, this pie has quickly turned into one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centric diets has led to a surge in the popularity of meatless pizza toppings. Now going beyond typical veggies, advancements in plant proteins are offering alternatives that can also satisfy the most earnest carnivores.
Options such as veggie-based Italian sausage crumbling, herbed tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni are now staples in our offerings. These toppings attract not only vegetarians but also customers who are drawn to their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza lovers have been savoring peculiar local chili variations instead of the more general crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies still hold their appeal from years prior, chilies like the smoky Spanish ñora, the sweet-spicy Peruvian aji amarillo, and the piquant Korean gochujang sauce are now garnishing pies.
Our Explorer's Spicy Selection pizza demonstrates a mix of four distinct chilies from around the world, each infusing a unique taste to different sections of the pizza. It’s a zesty escapade that's particularly well-liked by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has now broadened with the trend of season-based, wild-gathered ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which pop up during their respective foraging seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've played with wild garlic known as ramps, ocean greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips to add a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients forge a connection between diners and the wilderness while offering flavors that aren't achievable in farmed conditions.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The juxtaposition of sweet and savory that honey brings has indeed solidified its place beyond a fleeting interest. 2023 has welcomed an array of honey variations drizzled atop pizzas just before they're served.
Infusions like truffle honey, aged garlic honey, sweet mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey make periodic appearances in establishments nationwide. These gourmet elevations endow even the simplest pizza formulas with a nuanced finish.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that narrowly missed the cut but are nonetheless impacting palates include:
- Salted cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami layer
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppers, including crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Craft butter dollops, with a preference for fermented or mixed herb butters
Whether you prefer time-honored classics or lean towards the experimental edge with daring flavor pairings, pizza remains a universally versatile and cherished dish. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect tradition as much as we value innovation, which explains why our menu offers both the quintessential Margherita and innovative, avant-garde pies.
Have you experienced any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a personal favorite combination you'd want to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or the next time you drop by!