As each new year dawns, the pizza industry is met with fresh flavors and preferences, and 2023 stands out no differently. Here at Crust & Co. Pizzeria, keeping up with the evolving palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. This is our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are currently dominating the scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With gut health becoming more prominent, the presence of fermented veggies as a topping choice has surprisingly soared. Variants such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add complex sour nuances that enhance the depth of cheeses and sauces. Offering both probiotic qualities and an introduction to intriguing textures, these toppings have redefined traditional pizza experiences.
Our innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped off with a local honey drizzle that balances the sharpness. While it may seem an unconventional mix, it has swiftly risen to be a sought-after specialty pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Continuing to make headway in 2023, plant-based diets have influenced a surge in plant-derived meat substitutes on pizzas. Far from just mere vegetable toppings, new developments in plant proteins are impressing even the staunchest carnivores.
We offer plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit 'pulled pork,' and pea protein 'pepperoni' on our pizzas. These proteins cater to not only vegetarians but also customers looking for distinct flavors and a lighter meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a little heat, the trend is now favoring specific chili varieties from distinct regions over the common red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a fan-favorite, we've also incorporated unique flavors from spices like the smoky Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo's fruitiness, and the Korean gochujang among others.
Try our Spice World pizza, featuring a quartet of distinct global chilies, offering various taste profiles to each slice. It's become a favorite for customers who enjoy a little culinary risk-taking.
4. Seasonal Foraged Items
Embracing the transition from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza, the appeal of foraged seasonal toppings is on the rise. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace our pizzas when in season.
Expanding beyond fungi, we've worked with springtime wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These choices forge a connection between our consumers and the wilderness, offering flavors unattainable in cultivated crops.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
The nuanced interplay of sweetness with savory ingredients, particularly when it comes to honey, has cemented its longevity beyond a mere fleeting fad. Riding on the wave of 'hot honey' from past years, 2023 has seen a proliferation of unique honey types used as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Exclusive varietals like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, rich mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD have gained traction in pizzerias. These drizzles are more than an adornment; they're transformative, adding depth to even the simplest of pizza creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings that didn't quite make the top five but are still creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza like a fine dusting
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Textured grains, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, with a focus on cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you're one to stick with classic favorites or someone who's excited by novel flavors, the versatility of pizza continues to be celebrated worldwide. At Crust & Co. Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored recipes while also welcoming the new, which is why our menu includes both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have these trending toppings made their way to your plate? Or perhaps you have a signature topping combo you wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our establishment!