As each year passes, pizza sees new trends, and 2023 is filled with innovations. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we keep our finger on the pulse to discover which flavors captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. We present the top pizza toppings that are dominating in popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's increasing importance reflects in pizzerias, with fermented veggies like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions adding vibrant, sour notes that blend perfectly with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren't just tasty—they offer probiotic health benefits and intriguing new textures to the classic pizza.
The Fermentation Celebration pizza we offer includes our homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final drizzle of local honey to counteract the sourness. This unusual mix is garnering a following and becoming one of the most in-demand items on our specialty pizza list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The swing towards plant-centric diets has caused a surge in exciting meat-free alternatives topping pizzas. Beyond typical veggies, the latest plant-based protein advancements appeal to even devout carnivores.
We now serve plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, herbed tempeh pieces, marinated jackfruit resembling 'pulled pork,' and pea protein 'pepperoni' on our pizzas. These offerings are chosen not only by vegans but by a variety of our guests who enjoy their distinct tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor a kick of heat on their pizza are enjoying the trend toward specific types of chilies, moving away from generic flakes. While Calabrian chilies keep their standing from former years, other varieties such as Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are popping up as pizza garnishes.
The Global Heat pizza we serve boasts a blend of these different chilies, providing each slice with its heat signature. It's become a hit with our customers who crave an adventurous and spicy dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The movement from wild to kitchen has transitioned into forest-to-pizza, highlighted by the use of foraged seasonal components. Headlining this trend are wild mushrooms like morels, chanterelles, and hen of the woods, which show up in seasonal cycles.
We've broadened our foraging to include wild ramps, coastal sea greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients create a connection to nature while imparting unreplicable flavors not found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The play on sweet and savory with honey drizzles has taken hold, transcending the concept of a passing fad. This year has ushered in a variety of specialty honeys used as a finishing touch on pizzas, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD.
These unique honeys contribute a layered complexity to even the simplest pizzas, raising them to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Not making our top five but still deserving recognition are:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizzas like delicate flakes of gold
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Whole grain accents like toasted farro or popped sorghum for a textural element
- Touches of artisan butter, including versions cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether your taste is for timeless pizza classics or you're eager to explore innovative flavor combos, pizza remains one of the most diverse and universally cherished dishes. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect time-honored tastes while also championing new ideas—evident in our menu's range from staple Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these trend-setting toppings? Or perhaps you have a personal favorite blend you'd like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by for a chat!