Each year, the realm of pizza is enhanced by fresh culinary trends, and the year 2023 has been no different. At SharedReferencePortal, we actively keep track of the trends enticing pizza aficionados worldwide. Here, we present a curated list of the most vibrant and crowd-pleasing pizza toppings making a mark this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's importance has trickled down to the pizza industry, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected crowd-pleaser on pizza. The intricate sour notes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions enrich the creamy depth of cheeses and sauces. Apart from the probiotic advantages they offer, these toppings bring a novel textural experience to the classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our establishment includes our own sauerkraut and kimchi paired with gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a hint of local honey for a sweet contrast. Though it may seem unconventional, it's swiftly gaining traction as a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The upsurge of plant-based diets continues, and with it comes an increased desire for pizzas adorned with vegetarian meat substitutes. Beyond usual veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based protein has introduced varieties that entice even hardcore carnivores.
Our offerings now include plant-based Italian sausage chunks, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and a pea protein alternative to pepperoni. These aren't exclusively for vegetarians — their distinctive tastes and ease of digestion appeal to a broad customer base.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the year 2023 has welcomed an appreciation for specific regional chili varieties over the blandness of generic hot pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies hold on to their previous popularity, while we also see the emergence of distinct flavors from Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoked ñora chilies, Peruvian fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Fans of fiery flavors are enjoying our International Heat pizza, showcasing four distinct chilies, each bringing their unique taste to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery gastronomic journey favored by our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table trend has expanded into a forest-to-pizza movement, with foraged seasonal ingredients gaining popularity. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showcased during their specific seasons on our pizzas.
Our exploration doesn't stop at mushrooms; we've included spring ramps, marine greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic twist. These elements bridge a connection to nature and provide unparalleled flavors that can't be mass-produced.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet and savory balance has now become more than a fleeting fad. Building upon the recent trend of hot honey, we have witnessed an outburst of distinct honey variations adorning pizzas right before they're served in 2023.
Varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are popping up on menus nationwide. These final flourishes bring intricacy and turn simple pies into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that have nearly made it to our top list but are still leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Grains with a heritage, like crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added crunch
- Gourmet butter dabs, specially cultured or infused with aromatic herbs
Regardless of whether you are a purist who adores the timeless toppings or you're game for experimenting with novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At SharedReferencePortal, we honor the classic while celebrating innovation, which is why our menu features both the quintessential Margherita and trailblazing pizza creations.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or maybe you have a distinctive flavor duo you'd want us to feature? Do share in the comments or on your next visit to our place!