Each year, the pizza industry witnesses a shift in culinary preferences, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we keenly observe the preferences captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are making a splash in 2023.
1. Fermented Veggies
Pizza enthusiasts are now seeing probiotic-rich fermented veggies as not just a healthy addition but a taste sensation. Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing a zesty, complex flavor profile that's a perfect foil for the creamy cheeses and sauces. Our latest specialty, the Fermentation Festivity pizza, brings together home-fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, topped with a sweet drizzle of regional honey to smooth out the flavors. Despite its uniqueness, it's garnered a massive following.
2. Plant-Sourced Proteins
The upsurge in plant-based diets has translated into a higher demand for pizzas adorned with alternative meat solutions. We're not just talking vegetables; novel plant-derived proteins are now common and are impressing even the most hardcore meat enthusiasts.
We're serving items such as crumbled plant-based sausage, savory tempeh, seasoned jackfruit in lieu of pulled pork, and pea protein seasoned to mimic pepperoni. These aren't solely for our vegetarian patrons—many select them for their lighter impact and distinct flavors.
3. Regional Peppers
For those who adore a bit of zest in their pizza, the trend for 2023 is local chili peppers, taking over from the ordinary red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have retained their popularity, we're also seeing other global varieties like the fragrant Aleppo pepper, the smoky ñora peppers from Spain, Peru's fruit-like aji amarillo, and Korea's savory gochujang paste gaining favor.
Try our Global Heat pizza where each quarter showcases a different regional chili, providing a unique spicy experience that's become a staple for our more daring customers.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
The connection to nature through pizzas is growing with the trend of using wild foraged toppings. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are gathered seasonally and featured prominently.
We're also experimenting with wild ramps, various ocean-grown greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a coniferous hint. These flavors are unreplicable with farmed produce and bring diners a taste of the wild.
5. Gourmet Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet with savory from honey is a trend that's here to stay. This year, we've seen a variety of artisanal honeys being drizzled on pizzas just before serving, sparking interest across the board.
Varieties like truffle honey, aged garlic honey, mesquite with a smoky undertone, and a variety infused with hemp extract are just a few innovative options on national pizza menus. These special touches not only deepen the flavor profile but can transform an ordinary pizza into an epicurean delight.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
Even though they didn't make our top five, these additional toppings are also trending:
- Fine shavings of cured egg yolks, dusted over pizza to add a luxurious texture
- Pickled fruit, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, offering crunch with items like puffed farro or sorghum
- Gourmet butter dabs, especially those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether your tastes are more classic or you prefer exploratory flavor blends, the adaptable nature of pizza continues making it a perennial favorite. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we celebrate pizza's heritage while incorporating the new—a reason why you'll find both the classic Margherita and the avant-garde pies in our offerings.
Have any of these top picks made it to your plate yet? Or perhaps there's a unique mix you'd love for us to feature? Share your thoughts either in the comments or when you drop by to see us!