The pizza landscape is ever-evolving, and this year, new favorites have emerged in the culinary world. At PantryPicker, keeping ahead of the flavor trends sought after by pizza aficionados is our specialty. We're excited to present the freshest and most sought-after pizza toppings gaining popularity in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Payer attention to gastrointestinal wellness has expanded into the pizza domain, with fermented vegetables emerging as a surprising topping choice. Varieties like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their distinctive sour taste, elevating the traditional flavors of cheese and tomato sauce. They not only bring probiotic goodness to your slice but also a new textural experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza tantalizes tastes with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, artfully balanced with a splash of local honey to soften the sourness. This unique fusion has swiftly climbed the ranks as a favorite amongst our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more and more individuals opt for plant-based diets, we've noticed a surge in requests for pizzas decked with innovative meat substitutes. Stretching beyond the typical veggie toppings, new plant-based protein creations are catering to both hardened carnivores and vegetarians alike.
We have introduced selections such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh bites, jackfruit with a marinated pulled pork style, and pepperoni made from pea protein. These toppings aren't exclusive to plant-based diets; quite a few of our customers pick them for their distinctive tastes and gentle impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating the trend of pizzas adorned with particular regional chili types over universal red pepper flakes. The Calabrian chilies remain a fan-favorite, alongside newcomers like the smoky Spanish ñora, zesty Aleppian pepper, the tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and the fervently loved Korean gochujang spread.
Our Spice Voyage pizza assembles a constellation of four varying regional chilies, each quadrant offering an exclusive taste sensation. This pizza has garnered quite a following among our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Lovers of the forest-to-table trend will rejoice over these selections. Foraged ingredients, particularly wild mushrooms, are now highly sought after for their appearance on our pizzas during their natural harvesting times.
Our explorations have not stopped at mushrooms; we've ventured into the realms of wild leeks during spring, various sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These toppings forge a connection with nature and offer tastes that simply can't be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey, well-known for its sweet and savory flavor profile, has become a lasting trend on the pizza scene. Expanding beyond the realm of spicy honey, 2023 has introduced a burst of specialty honey options that are drizzled over pizzas right before they're served.
Diverse varieties such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, the smokily flavored mesquite honey, and even CBD-enhanced honey are making their way into pizzerias nationwide. These drizzles enhance the depth of flavor and can transform simple pizza recipes into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings nearly made our top five but are still definitely worth noting include:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, dusted over pizza for a luxurious topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Crunchy heritage grain toppings like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet dollops of butter, like cultured or mixed with herbs
No matter if you're a purist at heart or a foodie in search of novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At PantryPicker, we stand by time-honored recipes while also welcoming the new waves of culinary creativity—that's why you'll find both the essential Margherita and adventurous specialty pies in our repertoire.
Are any of these trending toppings familiar to you? Or perhaps you have a particular blend you're eager to share? Drop us a line in the comments or during your next visit!