Each year, the pizza sector introduces new taste sensations, and 2023 stands out in this ongoing culinary revolution. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we keep a close watch on flavors enchanting pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our list of top pizza toppings currently making an impact.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has carved out a place in the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables taking center stage on top of pizzas this year. Ferments like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a zesty flavor that pairs well with traditional cheese and tomato. They offer gut-friendly probiotics and add an unexpected texture to the pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, and is then drizzled with local honey to soften the sourness. Though it may seem a peculiar mix, it's swiftly become a favorite amongst our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With more people choosing plant-based diets, the call for pizzas topped with ingenious meat substitutes has soared. Varieties that go beyond the usual veggie toppings include innovations in plant-based proteins that even appeal to staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, flavor-packed tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a place on our menu. These protein choices are selected not just by vegetarians, but also by those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a bit of spice, 2023 has witnessed a preference for specific regional chili types over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain popular, other peppers like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang are also popular toppings.
Our Spice Voyage pizza is adorned with a fusion of distinct regional chilies, imbuing each slice with distinctive flavors, and has been a hit among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from woodland to pizza is stronger than ever with wild, foraged ingredients adorning pizzas. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, take the limelight, showing up during their natural growing seasons.
We've also incorporated wildcraft ingredients like forest ramps, oceanic plants like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that lend a distinct aromatic twist. These wild components draw our customers closer to nature with unforgettable flavors that cultivated alternatives can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has secured its place as a favored sweet-savory enhancement on pizzas. Following the lead of spicy honey, the year 2023 has witnessed a surge in distinct honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas upon serving.
Honeys such as truffle-infused, fermented garlic, mesquite, and those with added CBD have made their way into pizzerias throughout the nation. These honeys add depth to even the simplest pizza and can make them feel gourmet.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that have caught our attention, although they didn't make the top list, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza providing a luxurious finish
- Acidic pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of artisan butters, like cultured or flavored with mixed herbs
Whether your preference lies with the time-honored classics or you have a penchant for exploring innovative flavors, pizza maintains its reputation as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we celebrate established customs while welcoming new ideas—that's why our menu houses both the traditional Margherita and imaginative specialty pizzas.
We're curious if you've had a chance to try any of these modern toppings, or if there's a distinctive topping you'd enjoy seeing on our menu? Share your thoughts below, or let us know during your next visit!