As with each new year, 2023 has introduced fresh trends captivating pizza enthusiasts everywhere. At GreenPortal, we always keep a close eye on what's trending in the pizza culinary scene. Here’s a list of the top pizza toppings that are becoming favorites this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a consideration in the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite on pizzas in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are creating sophisticated sour flavors that elevate the traditional cheesy and saucy taste of pizzas. Beyond their probiotic qualities, these toppings offer an exciting new textural experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza is our new addition featuring in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and robust gorgonzola cheese, with a sprinkle of local honey to counteract the sourness. This unique mix is quickly becoming a sought-after specialty at our establishment.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets are becoming more and more mainstream, leading to a surge in plant-derived protein toppings on pizzas. Beyond the usual vegetables, breakthroughs in plant-based protein have brought realistic meat-free options to the forefront.
Options such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have made their way into our offerings. These alternatives are popular not just among vegetarians but also with those who seek unique tastes and less heavy options.
3. Specialty Chilies
For those who favor spicy flavors, 2023 is a year of celebrating chilies from various regions, rather than settling for the ordinary crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, other types such as the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also being used to spice up pizzas.
The International Spice pizza showcases an assortment of these specific chilies, offering a distinctive flavor profile to each portion of the pizza, catering to customers who like to indulge in daring and spicy delicacies.
4. Wild Foraged Additions
Foraged ingredients from the wild are becoming more sought after, as evidenced by the emergence of seasonal wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms. These fungi, available during their natural harvest season, are a hit.
In addition to mushrooms, we're incorporating seasonal wild ramps, various kinds of sea vegetables, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients offer customers unique flavors that can't be found in cultivated products.
5. Diverse Honey Drizzles
The trend of drizzling honey for a sweet-savory effect on pizza has become a staple. 2023 brought a variety of new honey types to the mix, enhancing pizzas at the point of serving.
Honeys with distinctive tastes, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and others have been featured on dining establishments' menus. These drizzles add sophistication to even the simplest pizza combinations.
Honorable Mentions
Other notables that are gaining attention but didn't make the top five include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusting pizzas with a unique brilliance
- Pickled fruits, with a notable trend toward stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Toppings from heritage grains, including crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of special butter, like those with cultured flavors or enhanced with herbs
Whether you lean towards classic flavors or are up for exploring novel topping blends, pizza continues to remain a universally cherished and versatile dish. At GreenPortal, we celebrate established traditions and welcome novel ideas; hence our menu includes both the original Margherita and innovative gourmet offerings.
We're curious, have any of these new toppings caught your fancy? Or is there a special topping combination you'd want us to introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!