With each passing year, the pizza scene is rejuvenated with novel culinary trends, and the year 2023 upholds this tradition. At GrainHaven, we keep a keen eye on the topping preferences captivating pizza enthusiasts across the globe. We're excited to share a compilation of the top pizza toppings that are currently the talk of the town.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has become a highlight in the culinary arena, with an unforeseen spike in the popularity of fermented veggies on pizza. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing in a wave of complex, zesty flavors that mesh beautifully with the creamy textures of cheese and sauce. These toppings don't just offer probiotic perks; they also add novel textural contrasts to the conventional pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is graced with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet drizzle of local honey to counteract the sharpness. It might seem like an odd mix, but it's swiftly climbing the ranks as one of our most sought-after specialty dishes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has translated into increased requests for pizzas laden with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggies, state-of-the-art plant-based proteins are starting to appeal to even staunch carnivores.
Our menu now includes plant-fueled Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings aren't just tailored for vegetarians; a broad spectrum of our clientele opts for them for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year, those with a penchant for spice have geared towards authentic regional chilies, moving away from the plain red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have kept their standing, we are now noticing the emergence of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Our spicy Global Heat pizza presents an assortment of four diverse chilies from around the world, each quadrant offering a distinct taste profile that's been quite popular with our bolder customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Shifting from farm-to-table to 'forest-to-pizza,' there's an upward trend for seasonal foraged components. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing on pizzas in their prime seasons.
We've extended our reach to include wild ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements forge a connection to the wilderness and offer irreplicable tastes that can't be found in cultivated goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delicious sweet and savory dynamic is now a staple, not just a phase. Building on the previously favored spicy honey, 2023 introduces a burst of unique honey types drizzled onto pizzas just before they're served.
Aromatic truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, rich smokey mesquite honey, and even CBD honey have begun popping up on menus nationwide. These final additions infuse subtlety and sophistication, transforming even the simplest pizza creations into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that have narrowly missed our top list but are still causing a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately shaved over the pizza for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Artisan grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum offering a textural kick
- Gourmet dollops of butter (especially cultured or blended with fine herbs)
Whether you fancy traditional flavors or have an appetite for the avant-garde, pizza remains a versatile and much-loved dish worldwide. At GrainHaven, we celebrate the classics while also branching into novel territories, ensuring our menu features both timeless Margheritas and innovative creations.
Have these trending toppings made it to your pizza tray? Or do you harbor a special topping combination you'd love for us to try out? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit.