Each year, the pizza scene is refreshed with new gastronomic fads, and 2023 is brimming with exciting toppings that pizza aficionados are falling in love with. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we're keenly observing what is capturing the palates of those who delight in pizza. We're excited to present a compilation of the top pizza toppings that have captured attention this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Dedication to digestive wellness has found its way to pizza kitchens, where fermented vegetables are now a beloved topping. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a layer of tangy complexity and probiotic goodness, enhancing the pizza's depth of flavor and texture.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie is a new addition to our menu, with a blend of homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all balanced by a sweet drizzle of local honey. Though it's an unconventional pairing, this pizza is becoming a standout favorite amongst our clientele.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Amidst the surge of interest in plant-based eating, there's been a noticeable climb in the interest for pizzas adorned with meat substitutes. Plant-based proteins such as Italian sausage made from plants, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni now regularly grace our menu, appealing to all sorts of customers, not just those who follow vegetarian diets.
3. Distinctive Chili Varieties
2023 is a year for those who adore a bit of spice on their pizza to celebrate. Instead of the customary red pepper flakes, specific chili types from various regions have become favored choices. We've noted a particular fondness for such chilies as Calabrian, Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang atop our pizzas.
The Spicy World Tour pizza combines a mix of these different regional chilies, each lending a distinctive taste to sections of the pie. This spicy offering is especially popular among our patrons who are eager to explore bolder flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Fixings
The farm-to-table dynamic has transformed even further, moving from the fields to the forests with wild, foraged ingredients finding their place on pizza. Exotic mushrooms, seasonal plants like wild ramps, and even seaweeds are making waves in the pizza industry, introducing a wild twist to familiar flavors.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory with honey has become a firmly established compliment to pizza. The current year has witnessed a variety of specialty honeys being used as a final touch on pizzas. Varieties such as truffle honey, garlic-infused honey, and others are becoming staples, elevating simple pies to gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings nearly making the top list, though less common, include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza, akin to a dusting of golden snow
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grain toppings, featuring crispy ingredients like farro or sorghum for added texture
- Artisanal butter dashes that elevate the flavor profile, especially those that are cultured or have mixed-in herbs
Regardless of preference, be it a penchant for the age-old classics or an inclination for experimental flavors, pizza retains its status as one of the most adaptable and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we celebrate tradition while also exploring avant-garde styles, so our menu offers both beloved Margherita pizzas and innovative specialty pies.
Which of these trendy toppings have you experienced? Or perhaps there's a distinctive combination you'd love us to explore? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!