Each year, the realm of pizza garnishes is enriched by new gustatory trends, and the year 2023 is brimming with innovation. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we diligently track the flavor preferences that are capturing the hearts of pizza aficionados worldwide. We proudly present our curated list of this year's most sought-after and avant-garde pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now focusing on digestive health by incorporating fermented veggies, a topping that has unexpectedly gained popularity. An array of tangy fermented toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions is bringing complex flavors that perfectly contrast and enhance the classic cheesy and saucy base of pizzas. These toppings aren’t just flavorful—they also offer probiotic advantages and introduce new textural experiences to pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts a proprietary blend of homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, which is topped with a hint of local honey to juxtapose the tangy flavors. Although this combination may first appear unconventional, it's swiftly become a favorite among our signature pizza offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The burgeoning trend towards plant-centric diets has resulted in an uptick in plant-based protein toppings on pizzas, going well beyond the ordinary veggie selections. These innovations are crafted to appeal to staunch carnivores.
Now you can find toppings like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni on our menu. These toppings have gained a following not just among vegetarians but also among customers looking for diverse flavors and a less heavy eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who pursue the thrill of heat in their meals are celebrating, as 2023 is all about embracing distinctive chili types from various regions over the typical red pepper flakes. Chilies like the Calabrian remain favorites from past years, and now we’re seeing a rise in alternatives such as the savory Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang pastes as pizza toppings.
Our International Spice pizza is a hot favorite, topped with an assortment of these regional chilies, giving each quadrant of the pizza its special flavor kick. This dish has proven particularly well-received among our patrons with a penchant for fiery flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethic has migrated into the realm of pizza with the trend of seasonal foraged ingredients. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, showcased during their peak seasons on our pizzas.
We’re also introducing lesser-known wild ingredients like spring ramps, seaweeds including dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These nature-forged ingredients connect our customers to the wilderness and offer an unreplicable taste adventure.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting profiles of savory and sweet achieved with honey drizzles on pizza have proved to be more than a fleeting fad. Alongside hot honey's established popularity, 2023 is witnessing a surge in exclusive honey variants being drizzled onto pizzas upon serving.
We now feature delights such as truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD. These honey drizzles heighten the gourmet experience of a pizza, adding a note of sophistication to the mix of flavors.
Honorable Mentions
We also have a few additional toppings that nearly made our list but deserve a mention for their uniqueness:
- Delicately cured egg yolks, grated over the pizza like fine cheese
- Briny pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grains like crispy farro or puffed sorghum to add texture
- Gourmet dollops of artisan butter, such as cultured or compound varieties with herbs
Whether you favor the classic tastes or are open to exploring daring new flavor mixes, pizza remains a universally cherished and incredibly versatile dish. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also leading the charge in culinary innovation, which is why our menu includes both the venerable Margherita and the most progressive specialty pizzas.
Have you had the chance to sample any of these trending toppings, or do you harbor a unique topping combination you'd like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments section or during your next visit to our establishment!