Each year presents new evolutions in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we continuously track which flavors are captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. This is our list of the top trending pizza toppings that are currently surging in popularity.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have found their place in pizzerias, marking 2023 as the year they become a top pick for pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions infuse a sharp zestful taste that balances the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Adding these fermented options brings not just gastrointestinal health benefits but also distinct textures to the traditional pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes loaded with our in-house kimchi, sauerkraut, and gorgonzola cheese, then it's artfully enhanced with a local honey drizzle to counter the sourness. This combo may initially appear out of the ordinary, but it fast turned into one of our in-demand specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets increase in prevalence, so has the demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond the usual veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based protein provide options that even die-hard carnivores appreciate.
Our offerings now include options like vegan Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork with a marinade, and pea protein pepperoni. These alternative proteins cater to more than just veggie diets—they're selected by many for their distinctive taste profiles and their more digestible quality.
3. Regional Chilies
Those with a penchant for spice, celebrate! In 2023, pizza aficionados have embraced varied chilies with distinct origins over the usual crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies keep their acclaim, while unique varieties like the Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoky ñora chilies, Peruvian fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are starting to gain traction on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza combines four distinct chilies each adding its signature flavor to different segments of the pizza, creating a widely celebrated spicy gastronomic journey favored by those who favor bold flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Items
The local-sourcing trend has stretched even into the pizza industry with the booming popularity of seasonal foraged foods as toppings. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake, each making their presence known depending on the season.
Other foraged contributions have included wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These naturally found ingredients give customers flavors unattainable in cultivated produce, offering a taste of Mother Nature.
5. Artisan Honey Glazes
Honey's ability to enhance a sweet and savory blend has established its standing beyond a fleeting fad. Following the hot honey trend, 2023 has seen a surge in bespoke honey varieties being drizzled over pizzas right before serving.
Options now include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey with smoky tones, and even CBD-infused honey. These gourmet touches add depth and refine simple pizzas into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn't quite make our top five list but are still making an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas creating a rich topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions, like crisped farro or puffed sorghum, for an added crunch
- Gourmet butter accents, especially nuanced versions like cultured or herbed butter mixtures
Whether you're a staunch traditionalist or a daring foodie eager to experiment with novel flavor mixes, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect tradition while we celebrate culinary creativity—that's why our menu features both timeless classics like the Margherita and avant-garde speciality creations.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings yet? Or perhaps you have an exceptional topping combo you'd like us to explore? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!