With each year, new trends emerge in the pizza sector, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we diligently observe which toppings are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our list of toppings that are currently causing a stir this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive health is more popular than ever, which is evident in the surge of fermented veggies topping pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions add a savory zest that pairs nicely with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren't only tasty; they offer probiotic benefits and bring new textural experiences to pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we offer includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a honey from the local area to lessen the sourness. Although it may seem unconventional, its demand is rapidly rising.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets has led to an increase in pizzas with inventive meat substitutions. We're not talking simple veggies here, but breakthroughs like plant-based sausage, tempeh, Jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein renditions of pepperoni are gaining popularity on our menu. They attract not only vegetarians but also those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and ease on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a bit of spice to their slice are embracing specific regional chilies over the ubiquitous crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, we've started to see Aleppian pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang as favored spices. Each chili offers a distinct flavor, and our Heat Wave pizza that incorporates a variety of them has become quite popular with our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local farm-to-table practice has expanded from the fields to the forests with an increased interest in wild, foraged ingredients. Among them, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are regular finds during their seasons.
We've also delved into using spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tops, known for their distinctive aromatic qualities. These foraged items give our diners a taste of the wild and flavors that aren't found in cultivated goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The addition of honey to pizza for a sweet and savory mix is not just a fad. Building on the hot honey trend, this year has unleashed a range of specialty honey types used as a final flourish on pizzas. Varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey with CBD are cropping up on pizza menus and elevating simple pies to gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Not making the top five but still deserving attention are:
- Dried egg yolks finely grated over the pizza for a cheese-like dusting
- Preserved fruits, with a penchant for stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, with options like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Exquisite butter pats, especially those that have been cultured or mixed with fresh herbs
Whether you're someone who honors the time-honored classics or someone who has an appetite for daring new flavor combinations, the universal appeal of pizza is its adaptability and enduring popularity. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect the traditional while also welcoming the new – that's why you'll find both the revered Margherita and the trailblazing specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these popular toppings? Or do you have a distinct favorite you'd wish to see offered by us? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you drop by next time!