Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza realm, and 2023 is consistent with this pattern. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we stay up to date with what’s exciting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our list of the top pizza toppings that have captured attention this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a big deal in pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a top pick on the pizza menu this year. Tangy favorites like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with complex flavors that wonderfully accentuate the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are valued for their probiotic qualities and the novel textures they introduce to a classic dish.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut and kimchi, topped with gorgonzola cheese and a light drizzling of artisanal honey to even out the sour notes. It’s a peculiar mix that has rapidly grown into one of our most desired specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of a plant-based diet has led to a noticeable spike in plant-derived meat substitute toppings. Diverse from routine veggie toppings, the breakthroughs in plant-based protein have brought forth selections that even die-hard carnivores enjoy.
At our establishment, selections like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now a staple. These innovative proteins cater not only to vegetarians but also to our guests seeking distinctive tastes and a lighter meal experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those in pursuit of spice are embracing specialized regional chili varieties over common crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked, we're noticing a trend of spices like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang emerging on our pizzas.
Try our International Heat pizza which combines a variety of four distinct regional chilies, bestowing a unique flavor profile to each portion of the pizza. It's a taste exploration favored by our boldest customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The momentum of the farm-to-table philosophy has extended into pizza with foraged seasonal items garnering popularity. At the forefront are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which feature prominently in their peak seasons.
In addition, we’re innovating with wild-gathered ingredients like spring ramps, marine greens including dulse and nori, and even pine tips to imbue a distinct aromatic essence. These components forge a connection with the wilderness and impart unparalleled flavors that domestic growth can’t duplicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory capitalized by honey has rooted itself as a key pizza trend. Expanding upon the prior trend of spicy honey, the current year has seen a surge of unique honey types being drizzled onto pizzas just before they’re served.
Options such as truffle honey, aged garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are making the rounds on pizzeria menus. These gourmet drizzles are used to add an extra layer of complexity, turning even the most simplistic pizza into a connoisseur’s delight.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that didn't make the top list but still remain noteworthy include:
- Matured egg yolks, grated finely atop pizzas for a touch of luxury
- Brined fruits, particularly stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Whole grains for texture, including crisp farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter varieties, like fermented or herbed compound butter
Whether you adhere to time-honored toppings or are game for experimenting with novel combinations, pizza stays as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we respect classic traditions while actively experimenting with new ideas—hence our menu proudly offers both the timeless Margherita and innovative specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these popular toppings recently? Or perhaps you have a unique topping preference you’d love for us to feature? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share with us during your next visit!