As each year arrives, new gastronomic fads emerge in the pizza realm, and 2023 stands as no different. At BalancedPlates, our team diligently tracks which flavors are captivating pizza aficionados globally. Here's a curated list of the top pizza toppings that are gaining momentum this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has influenced pizza menus, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected sensation atop pizzas in the current year. The addition of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduces a layered, tangy taste that pairs well with the creamy nature of cheese and sauce. These toppings which are rich in probiotics, are also bringing fresh textural elements to the traditional pizza experience.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes an in-house creation of sauerkraut and kimchi paired with gorgonzola cheese, crowned with a hint of local honey to soften the sour notes. This combination, while unconventional, has rapidly ascended to become one of our most favored specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets continues to surge, and accordingly, there's heightened interest in pizzas adorned with innovative meatless options. Moving beyond ordinary veggie toppings, new developments in plant-based proteins are offering alternatives that even traditional meat enthusiasts find satisfying.
We've incorporated plant-derived Italian sausage chunks, spiced tempeh, jackfruit chunks marinated in pulled pork style, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni into our menu. These protein selections appeal not just to vegetarians but to numerous customers who prefer them for their distinctive flavors and less taxing effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a spicy kick are embracing particular types of regional chilies over the usual crushed red pepper. Calabrian peppers have continued their popularity, while other varieties like Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are being welcomed onto pizzas.
Our Worldwide Zest pizza presents a combination of four distinct chilies, with each lending its unique heat and flavor notes to the mix. This fiery culinary journey is particularly well-received by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local dining movement has transitioned from farm-to-table and now embraces the forest-to-pizza approach with the escalating trend of foraged seasonal components. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are spotlighted during their peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our culinary experimentation has branched into spring ramps (wild garlic), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a novel aromatic twist. These wildcrafted ingredients offer a connection to nature and provide flavors that cultivated produce cannot replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a balanced sweet and savory contrast on pizza has become more than a fleeting trend. Capitalizing on previous years' infatuation with spicy honey, 2023 has seen a burst of unique honey varieties being used as a final touch on pizzas.
Diverse selections such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are cropping up on pizza menus nationwide. These specialized drizzles contribute depth and can turn even the simplest of pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that narrowly missed making our main list but are nonetheless causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizza for a rich umami layer
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet dollops of butter, especially those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you are someone who holds firm to the classic tastes or a culinary adventurer open to innovative flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and widely cherished dishes. At BalancedPlates, we preserve time-honored traditions yet also immerse ourselves in culinary creativity, as reflected by the presence of both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these trendsetting toppings made it to your plate? Or perhaps you have a personal favorite blend you'd love us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit with us!