Each year, the pizza scene is invigorated with new flavors, and the trends of 2023 stand out distinctly. At Crust & Crafts Pizzeria, our mission is to track which toppings are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is a summary of this year's most sensational and beloved pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With the growing emphasis on gut health, the pizza industry has seen an unexpected hit with fermented vegetables. A variety of pickled options like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a zesty flavor that balances the creamy taste of cheese and sauce. These fermented choices don't just offer gut health benefits; they also bring new and intriguing textures to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a finishing touch of local honey to counteract the sharpness. While it may seem like an unconventional combination, it's swiftly become one of our most in-demand creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more consumers embrace plant-based diets, there's been a notable increase in the demand for pizzas that use inventive alternatives to meat. Aside from the usual veggie toppings, there have been great strides in the evolution of plant-based proteins that even entice staunch carnivores.
Toppings including crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, “pulled pork” styled marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni have started to feature prominently in our offerings. These toppings attract a varied clientele for their distinct taste profiles and gentler digestion qualities.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who prefer a piquant kick to their pizza are celebrating, as there's a trend toward using specific regional chilis over generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilis continue from their past popularity, we're now also seeing the likes of smoky Spanish ñora chilis, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang finding their way onto our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza combines four different regional chilis, each offering a distinct taste in their respective portion of the pizza. This option has been particularly well-received by our diners with adventurous palates.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethos has expanded to include forest-to-pizza, with foraged seasonal ingredients garnering popularity. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront, with varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing pizzas at peak times.
Outside of mushrooms, we've been trialing ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, which all offer an aromatic quality and connect our customers with the wilderness in novel ways that farmed ingredients can’t replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of honey's sweetness with savory components is a trend that's cemented its place in pizza gastronomy. Furthering the hot honey trend of recent years, 2023 has witnessed a diversification in honey types being drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
Some of the variations include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey. These final flourishes add a layer of complexity and sophisticates even the most straightforward pizza into a gastronomic delight.
Honorable Mentions
Not making our top five but still leaving a mark are a few other toppings:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, resembling a delicate dusting of gold
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, such as cultured or herbed compound butters
Whether you're a purist who sticks to time-honored toppings or a pioneer eager to discover new taste fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes in the world. At Crust & Crafts Pizzeria, we pay homage to the classics while celebrating culinary progress, offering everything from the iconic Margherita to boundary-pushing gourmet pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a one-of-a-kind topping combination you'd like us to explore? Share in the comments or during your next visit to our establishment!