Each year, pizza sees a wave of fresh gastronomic fads, and the year 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we diligently track the emerging tastes that pizza aficionados worldwide are drawn to. Take a look at our compilation of the year's top pizza topping hits.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains attention, fermented veggies have surprisingly secured a spot atop pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a flavorful, tangy zest that balances the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these toppings offer probiotic goodness, but they also add new textural layers to the classic pizza profile.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, spicy kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, all brought together with a sweet touch of local honey to counterbalance the sour notes. This unusual blend is shaping up to be a frequent favorite among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The uptick in plant-based diets has led to a notable surge in pizzas adorned with innovative meat-free options. Beyond the usual veggie garnishes, advances in plant-based protein have brought forth choices that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
On our menu, we now regularly offer plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, savory tempeh bites, tropical jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein made to mimic pepperoni. Catering not exclusively to vegetarians, these proteins win over customers for their distinctive tastes and a less heavy dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a spice kick, 2023 has seen a shift towards distinct, region-specific chili varieties over the more generic red pepper flakes. Though Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, we're now seeing the inclusion of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang on various pizzas.
Our Global Heatwave pizza combines a blend of four unique chilies, each lending its distinct flavor note to different sections of the pie. It's a spicy experience that's gained a following amongst our daredevil customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing concept has stretched from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza thanks to the growing appeal of foraged, seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We also adventure with wild ramps (wild leeks), oceanic plants like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These additions offer a taste of nature and give flavors that just aren't found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Building on the savory-sweet craze, the drizzle of honey has solidified itself as more than a fleeting craze. Expanding beyond the sought-after spicy honey, 2023 brings a variety of specialized honey garnishes like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and a honey enhanced with CBD, making it to pizza parlors nationwide. These drizzles add layers of complexity, transforming even basic pizzas into exquisite culinary creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings narrowly missing our top five but still causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated, casting a rich umami dusting over the pizza
- Marinated fruits, particularly from the stone fruit family such as peaches and plums
- Whole grain accents, including crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, with options like cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you're someone who cherishes the timeless classics or seeks novelty in vibrant new flavor pairings, pizza retains its status as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we salute tradition whilst also championing the avant-garde—this is why our menu boasts both the heritage-rich Margherita and the avant-grade speciality pies.
Have you indulged in any of the latest topping trends? Or maybe there's an exceptional topping duo you're eager to see us unveil? Share your thoughts in the comments or tell us during your next visit!