Each year unveils novel trends in the pizza sector, and 2023 has brought its share of exciting developments. At KnowledgeBaseHub, we keep a close eye on the evolving palates of the pizza-eating community. We're eager to share the most innovative and sought-after pizza toppings of the year that have taken the culinary scene by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are embracing gut-friendly trends, with fermented vegetables emerging as a top choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing a layer of zest that marries well with the traditional combination of cheese and tomato base. Such toppings are not just a nod to health-conscious probiotics but also add an entirely new textural aspect to the quintessential pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Celebration pizza is a celebration of this trend, pairing in-house fermented sauerkraut and kimchi with the bold flavor of gorgonzola cheese, all balanced by a hint of sweetness from locally sourced honey. This unexpected medley is quickly climbing the charts as a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets maintain their surge in popularity, there's been a noticeable uptick in the demand for meat-free pizza toppings. Apart from traditional vegetable toppings, the latest innovations in plant-based protein are designed to appease even the staunchest meat aficionados.
Assortments such as plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni have become staples in our menu. These alternatives are finding fans across the board, not limited to vegetarian customers, for their distinctive taste and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a spicy element on their pizza, the year has seen a turn towards distinct regional chili types over the generic pepper flakes. Although Calabrian chilies continue their reign, other varieties like the Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoky ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang paste are also gaining traction.
Our Global Heat pizza introduces our customers to an array of chilies that each imparts a distinct flavor profile to separate quarters of the pizza, making it a zesty journey favored by those with a penchant for heat.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
With the expansion of the farm-to-table concept, foraged ingredients are increasingly finding their way onto pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on our pizza during their growth seasons.
We are not only foraging for mushrooms but have also incorporated wild ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. Such ingredients create an authentic connection with nature and offer flavors unreplicable by cultivated goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's distinctive ability to bridge the gap between sweet and savory has solidified its place in the gourmet pizza landscape. After the rise of hot honey, 2023 is all about an array of specialty honey that is drizzled atop pizzas to add a final flourish before serving.
Honey infused with truffles, fermented garlic, mesquite smoke, and even CBD enhancements are just a few examples showing up in pizzerias nationwide. These drizzles lend a multi-dimensional flavor that transforms even the simplest pizza into a culinary delight.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that are close competitors with our list include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a touch of decadence
- Pickled fruits enhancing the flavor spectrum, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains of heritage varieties adding crunch, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of crafted butters, either cultured or mixed with herbs, for a subtle, rich flavor
Pizza remains a versatile and universally cherished dish, whether you lean towards the tried-and-true or are inclined towards avant-garde toppings. At KnowledgeBaseHub, we balance respect for tradition with a spirited desire for innovation, which is why our menu features the iconic Margherita alongside trailblazing gourmet options.
Have these trendy toppings caught your interest, or is there a distinctive combination you've been craving? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by and let us know!