Each year introduces new gastronomic fads within the realm of pizza, and 2023 is brimming with innovations. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, it's our mission to observe the trends captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you the hottest, must-have pizza toppings that have made their mark this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has made a landing in the pizza industry, leading to fermented vegetables becoming a top selection. The likes of kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are providing a burst of zesty flavor that perfectly complements the robust taste of cheese and tomato sauce. Not only do these toppings offer the benefit of probiotics, but they also inject an element of dynamic textures into a conventional pizza.
Featuring our Fermented Delight pizza – with our unique sauerkraut, house-crafted kimchi, and strong gorgonzola cheese, delicately finished with a local honey glaze to lessen the sour edge has become a much-loved option on our specialty pizza list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of vegetarian meals remains on the rise, resulting in an increased demand for pizzas with inventive non-meat alternatives. Moving beyond the usual vegetable toppings, novel plant-based proteins have started to stand out, appealing to even the most dedicated carnivores.
Our selection now includes Italian sausage-like crumbles made from plants, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit prepared in a pulled pork style, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These toppings cater not only to vegetarians – many customers prefer them for their distinct tastes and less heavy feeling after eating.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who prefer their pizza with a kick are in luck – 2023 welcomes connoisseurs to explore specific types of regional chili peppers, moving away from just the usual crushed chili flakes. While Calabrian chilies hold on to their longstanding popularity, other variants such as Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gaining recognition.
Our Worldly Spice pizza combines a unique selection of four chilies from around the world, each adding its special spice palate to various sections of the pie. It's particularly favored by our clientele who seek a culinary thrill.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of sourcing directly from farms has transitioned into a direct from forest-to-pizza phenomenon with the rising popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leaders in this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and Hen-of-the-woods, which show up frequently during their harvest seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, our experimentation has included wild ramps, marine greens like dulse and nori seaweed, and even spruce tips, offering a distinctive aromatic twist. These components connect those dining with the wilderness and provide flavors that can't be replicated through cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory from honey has become more than a fleeting craze. With the past success of spicy honey, 2023 witnesses a burst in varieties of specialized honey used as toppings just before a pizza is served.
Various honeys, such as those imbued with truffle, infused with fermented garlic, smoked with mesquite, or joined with CBD, have surfaced in pizzerias nationwide. These last-minute drizzles introduce intricate flavors and raise simple pizza varieties to gourmet standings.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings did not quite make our top five but are nonetheless creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated to resemble golden flakes on top of the pizza
- Marinated fruits, chiefly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Grains with heritage, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Small portions of artisanal butter variants, such as cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you're someone who holds the classics in high regard or an epicure keen on sampling bold new ingredient mixtures, pizza remains a global favorite for its immense adaptability and general popularity. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we respect the classics while also welcoming new ideas—that’s why our menu offers everything from the archetypal Margherita to avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you indulged in any of these contemporary toppings? Or have you got a unique topping combo you'd want to see in our selection? Share your thoughts in the comments section or during your next visit to our establishment!