As new dining fads emerge each year, the pizza scene is no different, and 2023 is sure to bring its own set of popular flavors. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we are constantly observing the trends that pizza aficionados are gravitating towards. This list highlights the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now paying attention to gut health, with fermented veggies emerging as a fan favorite on pizzas this year. The likes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are imparting a sophisticated sourness that nicely cuts through the creamy textures of cheese and sauce. These probiotic-rich toppings are not just healthy; they're also lending a new and exciting feel to the traditional pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all of which is lightly drizzled with regional honey to soften the sour notes. Despite its unconventional makeup, this pie is quickly gaining a loyal following.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-forward diets, there's been a noticeable uptick in the demand for non-meat pizza toppings that don't sacrifice flavor. Unique vegetable toppings aside, there's a new wave of plant-based proteins that even the staunchest carnivores find satisfying.
Options now include things like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, tempeh seasoned to perfection, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pepperoni made from pea protein. These inventive proteins are hitting our menu and winning over customers, vegetarian or not, due to their distinct tastes and satisfying but lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
The spicy palate is in for a treat this year, with artisanal regional chilies taking the place of generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their previous popularity, there's also been a rise in the use of distinct peppers like sweet Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, bright Peruvian aji amarillo, and bold Korean gochujang sauces on pizzas.
Our Spice Journey pizza offers a variety of these international chilies, each imparting its unique taste to different sections of the pizza, catering to our more experimental clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has evolved into a new trend, forest-to-pizza, with foraged ingredients becoming highly sought after. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms which are prized during their peak seasons.
But the trend doesn't stop at mushrooms; we've also been incorporating wild leeks, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips which add an incomparable aromatic twist. These wildcrafted ingredients not only offer a deeper connection to nature but also flavors that cannot be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The nuanced flavor created by honey has secured its place in the pizza world beyond any trend. Following the rise of spicy honey in recent years, there's been a surge in the use of distinct honey varieties as a final touch on pizzas before they're served.
Some intriguing types making the rounds include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, honey with a hint of mesquite smoke, and even honey infused with CBD. These drizzles are transforming simple pizza into refined culinary delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't quite make our top five but are still making an impact include:
- Grated cured egg yolks dusted over the pizza, resembling delicate flakes
- Brined fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, adding texture
- Gourmet butter dollops like cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether you're a purist who stands by the evergreen classics or a culinary explorer eager for new flavor pairings, pizza maintains its status as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect the time-honored traditions as much as we value culinary creativity—which is why you'll find everything from the classic Margherita to innovative specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you have a novel topping combination in mind that you'd love to see us try? Share with us in the comments, or let us know during your next visit!