The pizza industry continuously showcases fresh gastronomic fads every year, with 2023 proving to be filled with novel preferences. At Crust & Craze Pizzeria, our dedication to tracking global trends for pizza aficionados is unparalleled. We are excited to present a list of this year's sought-after toppings that are stirring excitement among our customers.
1. Fermented Vegetables
A growing interest in digestive health has propelled fermented vegetables to the forefront of pizza toppings this year. Notable for their zesty taste, ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enhancing the savory flavors of cheese and tomato bases. These toppings aren’t just tasty; they are rich in probiotics and bring an intriguing variety in texture to the pizza experience.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue-veined cheese, drizzled with regional honey to soften the sharpness. It's a distinct combination that's steadily becoming a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people opt for plant-centered diets, the demand for innovative meat substitutes on pizzas has climbed. Pizza lovers can now enjoy a selection of toppings that go beyond standard veggies, crafted to appeal to even staunch omnivores.
We're serving up not just meatless toppings but also groundbreaking plant-derived proteins such as Italian sausage alternatives, savory tempeh bites, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These are not exclusively for those following a plant-based diet; many customers opt for them due to their distinctive taste profiles and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spiciness are celebrating, as fans of pizza are exhibiting a preference for specific chili types beyond standard crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity, there's a growing trend for distinct regional tastes, including Aleppo peppers, smoky ñora from Spain, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the vibrant Korean gochujang.
The Worldly Spice pizza on our menu offers an assortment of these chilies, providing each piece with a unique taste that has become particularly favored by our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Wild, foraged ingredients are becoming a staple in pizza creation, carrying the ethos of farm-to-table directly to the pizza stone. Leading the charge are locally sourced mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and maitakes, showcased during their natural harvesting time.
Our menu also features wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips. Such toppings offer diners a connection to the wild and flavors that can’t be replicated with farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet and savory flavor profile given by honey is now a mainstay feature, not just a fleeting fad. Moving beyond the well-received spicy honey seen in prior years, 2023 is seeing a variety of special honey types gracing pizzas just before serving.
Using infusions such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and hemp extract, these unique honeys are sprinkling their magic on pizzas, transforming even the simplest of recipes into an upscale treat.
Honorable Mentions
Although not making the top five, other enhancements making an impact include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely shaved over pizzas for a rich umami flavor
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains for a wholesome crunch, such as toasted farro or puffed sorghum
- Specialty butters like cultured or infused with herbs for an indulgent finish
Whether your preference lies with time-honored recipes or you’re inclined towards the adventurous pairing of flavors, pizza remains a versatile and universally cherished dish. At Crust & Craze Pizzeria, we honor age-old traditions while also pioneering new tastes—which is why our menu covers both time-tested Margherita pizzas and contemporary specialties.
Are there any of these trendy toppings you've already savored, or do you have a distinct topping you think we should consider adding to our repertoire? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you visit us next time!