As each year unfolds, new gastronomic fads emerge within the realm of pizza, with 2023 being no different. At InfiniteOptionWeb, we're attentively observing the toppings that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our curated selection of this year's top trending and sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has found its path to pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables rising as an unexpected favorite on pizzas. Tangy additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are blending well with the robust flavors of cheese and tomato sauce. These tangy ingredients not only boast probiotic qualities but also bring novel textural aspects to the classical pizza.
Our new Fermentation Fest pie comes topped with house-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and a type of blue cheese, all balanced by a sweet drizzle of locally-sourced honey. Although the blend might seem peculiar, it has quickly become a sought-after choice among our unique pizza varieties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement towards plant-based diets has not slowed down, reflected by a noted surge in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Diverging from the usual veggies, developments in plant-based proteins afford choices that even traditional meat enthusiasts find satisfying.
Substitutes like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated to resemble pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni slices are now staples on our menu. These alternatives appeal not only to vegetarians but also to customers seeking distinctive tastes and a less heavy experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those seeking a spicy kick are celebrating! The year 2023 has welcomed pizza lovers to specific regional chili varieties over the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies maintain their widespread appeal, now spices like Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas.
Our World of Spice pizza offers a quartet of diverse regional chilies, each endowing a distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. This fiery exploration enjoys particular popularity among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has branched into forest-foraged toppings, with an increased interest in seasonal ingredients sourced from the wild. The frontrunners of this trend are wild mushrooms, with types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during peak seasons.
In addition to fungi, we've also delved into spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, which offer a distinctive aromatic essence. These natural elements connect our patrons to the wild while presenting irreplicable flavors unlike those from cultivated sources.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The flavorful juxtaposition of savory and sweet by honey has become a staple, transcending trend status. Advancing from the recent popularity of spicy honey, 2023 has unveiled a burst of unique honey variants applied as finishing touches on pizzas.
Honey infused with truffles, garlic-fermented honey, a smoky mesquite variant, and specialty honey fused with natural ingredients are popping up on menu selections. These exquisite drizzles add intricacy to the taste and transform even the simplest of pizza options into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that didn't make our top five but have gained interest include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a vibrant garnish
- Pickled stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Grains with a heritage touch, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, added for texture
- Globules of expertly crafted butter, offering a flavorful twist with herbed mixtures
No matter if you're drawn to time-honored toppings or open to exploring novel combinations, pizza remains among the most versatile and cherished culinary delights around the world. At InfiniteOptionWeb, we respect age-old traditions while welcoming new creations, which is why both our classic Margherita and avant-garde creations are available on our menu.
Have you indulged in any of these contemporary toppings? Or maybe you have a personal topping combination you'd wish to see us incorporate? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!