As one year transitions to the next, so do the gustatory trends within the pizza scene, and 2023 is bustling with innovation. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, our dedication lies in tracking the flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados all over the planet. We’re pleased to present the most thrilling and beloved pizza toppings that are trending this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has infiltrated the pizza industry, with a surprising entry of fermented vegetables topping this year’s pizza selections. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles introduce complex, acidic flavors that meld seamlessly with the creamy layers of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings don't just come with probiotic advantages; they also bring new textures that invigorate the classic pizza experience.
The introduction of our Fermentation Fest pizza includes scratch-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, lightly drizzled with regional honey to offset the sharp flavors. An unlikely combo, it's swiftly ascending to the status of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based cuisine has continued its upward trajectory, propelling a surge in requests for pizzas that shun conventional toppings in favor of inventive meat substitutes. Aside from the usual array of veggies, the evolution of plant-based proteins has paved the way for alternatives that even the most ardent carnivores can appreciate.
Our menu now highlights options like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavorful seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These alternatives attract not only vegetarians but also those who fancy their distinct flavors and benefits to digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a culinary thrill, 2023 has become a year of embracing distinct regional chilies over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, we now encounter the introduction of Aleppian pepper, smoldering ñora chilies from Spain, the fruity tones of Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean favorite, gochujang, as lively pizza adornments.
Our Global Heat pizza is a mosaic of four distinct regional peppers, each quadrant offering its own singular spicy taste. This fiery quest has garnered a following particularly among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has sprouted a new trend — direct from the wilderness to your pizza. Seasonal foraged goods are increasingly popular, fronted by an array of wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, that show up according to their natural harvest times.
Our adventurous culinary experiments extend to foraged spring ramps, sea vegetables such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients afford patrons a taste of untamed nature while offering flavors that are unattainable in cultivated forms.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory brought about by honey has solidified its place well beyond a fleeting fad. Following the prevailing hot honey trend, 2023 has witnessed the advent of novel honey varieties being lavished on pizzas just before service.
Unique infusions such as truffle honey, garlic honey in fermentation, smoky mesquite, and CBD-enriched honey are finding their ways into eateries nationwide. These nuanced touches add a level of sophistication, transforming even the most basic pies into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that are making a statement but didn't make it to our top list include:
- Salt-cured egg yolks, grated over pizzas like a dusting of gold
- Pickled fruits, especially drupes like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly cultured or herbed varieties
Whether you're a purist who honors timeless favorites or a culinary adventurer keen on novel tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored traditions whilst diving into innovation — that's why you'll find both the iconic Margherita and boundary-pushing creations on our menu.
Have you indulged in any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have an inventive topping combo of your own in mind? Share in the comments or on your next visit!