The pizza industry sees fresh culinary trends annually, and 2023 is no different. Crust & Dream Pizzeria closely follows the flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. Here, we present the top trending pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has reached the pizza scene, leading to fermented vegetables emerging as a surprising addition to pizza toppings this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with sophisticated tart flavors that enhance the usual creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these toppings provide probiotic pluses, but they also bring new textural experiences to the classic pizza craft.
Our own Fermentation Fiesta pizza is assembled with our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all tied together with a drizzle of local honey to counterbalance the sourness. While it may be an unexpected blend, it has become one of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-oriented diets gain traction, the call for pizzas adorned with meat-free alternatives has soared. Beyond familiar veggie toppings, recent advancements in plant proteins provide options even for staunch carnivores.
Our selections now span from plant-based Italian sausage crumbles to savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and protein-rich pepperoni made from peas. These offer not just vegetarian choices but also are favored for their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has been the year of pizza lovers embracing unique chili varieties specific to various regions instead of the standard red pepper flakes. Popular Calabrian chilies persevere in their popularity, yet we're now also witnessing the ascent of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and pungent Korean gochujang on pizza canvases.
Our World of Spice pizza incorporates a selection of these distinctive regional chilies, allowing each one to star in different sections of the pizza. This spiced journey has gained favour, particularly among our daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table concepts have sprouted into a trend of incorporating foraged ingredients straight to the pizza scene. Leading this charge are wild mushrooms like chantarelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each featuring dominantly in their own harvest season.
In addition to mushrooms, we're experimenting with handpicked spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients transport our guests to nature, offering irreplicable flavors that can't be reproduced on a commercial scale.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory has upped its game with the inclusion of various specialty honey drizzles atop pizzas, right before serving.
A range that extends from luxurious truffle honey to fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even calming CBD-infused honey has found its way onto pizzeria menus nationwide. Such final flourishes add a layer of sophistication, transforming even straightforward pizza combos into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that didn't make our top ranks but are still resonating include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a touch of opulence
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain accents, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Artisan butters, including rich cultured variations or those infused with herbal mixtures
Pizza remains a universal dish beloved for its adaptability, whether you are a purist who treasures classic toppings or a culinary explorer eager to experience inventive flavor fusions. At Crust & Dream Pizzeria, we balance reverence for the past with culinary forward-thinking, which is why our menu offers time-honored favorites like the Margherita alongside avant-garde specialties.
Have you sampled any of these on-the-rise toppings? Or maybe you've got your own unique topping combo in mind that you’d love to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments, or during your next visit to our establishment!