Each year introduces new trends in pizza gastronomy, and the year 2023 is no different. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we keep a close watch on the flavors that are captivating the palates of pizza aficionados globally. Here is our report on the top pizza toppings that are currently the talk of the town.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has made its entrance into pizzerias, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite on pizzas. Ferments such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing complex zesty tastes which are enhancing the cheesy and saucy foundation of pizzas. These toppings are not just tasty but also proffer probiotic health advantages along with a novel twist to pizza’s texture.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza is adorned with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final touch of local honey for a hint of sweetness to tone down the acidity. This pioneering combination is swiftly rising to be a much-sought-after item on our specialty pizza list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based dietary preferences has led to an upswing in pizza toppings that feature inventive meat-free alternatives. Moving beyond traditional veggies, there is now a selection of plant-based proteins that even staunch carnivores can enjoy.
We now offer plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, 'pulled pork' styled jackfruit, and pea protein 'pepperoni' on our menu. These toppings appeal not only to vegetarians and vegans but also to those keen on their novel tastes and digestive ease.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Connoisseurs of spiciness are celebrating! This year has signaled a trend toward the adoption of distinct regional chili varieties instead of the usual crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies remain a fan-favorite, varieties such as Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing atop pizzas.
Our Spice Route pizza bravely combines four different regional chilies, imbuing separate quarters of the pizza with distinct spicy flavors. It’s particularly a hit among our patrons who are eager for gastronomic escapades.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The push for local and natural sourcing has given rise to the inclusion of seasonally foraged components. Leading the pack are wild-gathered mushrooms, featuring the likes of chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their natural harvesting periods.
Aside from mushrooms, we’ve played with ingredients such as wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a hint of forest freshness. These toppings forge a connection to the wilderness and present indescribably fresh flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The dynamic of honey’s sweetness with savory ingredients has taken a solid place in the world of pizzas, going beyond a transitory fad. Following the trail of spicy honey, 2023 has witnessed a burst in specialty honey types being drizzled atop pizzas just before they're served.
Whether it be truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, or CBD-infused honey, these distinctive flavor enhancers are now adorning pizzas nationwide. They impart a sophisticated twist, transforming simple pizzas into artisanal masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other notable toppings that didn't quite make our top five but are nonetheless making an impression include:
- Salt-cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas, creating a luxurious garnish
- Pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions, using crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter spots, including unique flavored or herb-infused varieties
Whether you align with time-honored pizza preferences or are inclined to explore audacious new toppings, pizza remains an infinitely versatile and cherished dish. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we pay tribute to the classics and yet are unafraid to experiment—that's why you’ll find both conventional Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have you had the chance to savor any of these topping trends? Or perhaps you have a distinct topping combination you’d love for us to feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!