New tastes and styles in pizza garnishes emerge annually, with 2023 being no different. At Crust & Craft Ovenhouse, we constantly observe the preferences of pizza aficionados globally. Here's our curated list of this year's pizza topping trendsetters.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive well-being has shifted into the world of pizza, with fermented veggies being a surprising addition atop pizzas this year. Flavors like kimchi, sauerkraut, and picked onions are lending a layered, sour taste that pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce base. Besides their probiotic advantages, these toppings are also introducing a novel textural experience to the standard pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is garnished with an in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese variety, all balanced out with a drizzle of regional honey. While unusual sounding, this concoction is fast becoming a crowd favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-centric diets, there's been an uptick in interest for pizzas topped with creative meat substitutes. Moving beyond basic veggie toppings, the latest developments in plant-based proteins are featuring choices that please the palates of even staunch meat enthusiasts.
Our menu now includes things like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni. These substitutes are chosen not only by vegetarians but also by consumers drawn to their distinct tastes and lighter feeling post-meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who want a touch of spice, 2023 has seen a trend towards specific chili types from distinct regions rather than just generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked, this year also brings chilies like Alepp opepper, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang to the pizza scene.
Our Global Heatwave pizza offers a bold mix of four different chilies from various regions, providing a distinct flavor adventure across the pie. It's become particularly popular among our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Echoing farm-to-table values, foraged ingredients have surged in popularity for their use as seasonal pizza toppings. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms - think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods - appearing during their growth seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been featuring wild leeks (spring ramps), oceanic greenery such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These additions create a connection to nature and offer flavors not found in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of savory and sweet achieved through honey has cemented its place in the pizza domain. Expanding on the recent demand for spiced honey, this year has seen a burst of specialty honey types used as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Varieties such as truffle-infused honey, garlic fermented honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-enriched honey are making their way onto menus nationwide. These drizzles add an extra layer of complexity, turning even simple pizza recipes into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings worth mentioning that nearly made our top five but are still notable include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a touch of decadence
- Brined fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain sprinkles, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter dollops, such as cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you're a purist who treasures timeless tastes or an experimenter eager for modern fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At Crust & Craft Ovenhouse, we pay homage to the classics while also venturing into new gastronomic creations—that's why our menu features both traditional Margheritas and innovatively topped pizzas.
Have any of these trending toppings piqued your interest? Or maybe you have a unique mix you'd like to see us try? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share them with us during your next visit!