As the calendar turns, pizza continues to innovate, with 2023 offering fresh trends and flavors. At Crust & Crumble Pizzeria, we keep our finger on the pulse of what's capturing the attention of pizza aficionados worldwide. Take a look at our list of this year's top pizza toppings that are stirring excitement.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With the surge of interest in gut health reaching the pizza scene, fermented vegetables have taken pizzerias by storm. Tangy delights such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enhancing pizzas with their rich, complex flavors, adding probiotic goodness and a new layer of texture to the customary pizza experience.
Introducing our Fermentation Fiesta pie—mixing our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, topped off with a sweet touch of local honey to balance out the robust flavors. It may be unique, but it's fast becoming a sought-after choice.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more consumers gravitate towards plant-based diets, there's been a noticeable uptick in plant-based meat substitutes atop our pizzas. These aren't just your ordinary veggies—innovations in plant-based protein have culminated in options that even die-hard carnivores get excited about.
We've added plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni to our selection. These toppings aren't only for those who refrain from eating meat—they're chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chilies
Those who favor the spicy side of life will be thrilled to know that specific varieties of regional chilies are becoming a pizza staple, rather than the usual sprinkle of red pepper. From the perennially beloved Calabrian chilies to the likes of smoky ñora, sweet aji amarillo, and fiery gochujang, these chilies are adding their signature heat to our pizzas.
The International Zest pizza offers a quartet of chilies, each adding a distinctive taste to a quadrant of the pie. It's proven to be a hit with our more daring customers.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has progressed to include forest-to-table, as foraged ingredients gain traction on the pizza front. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods grace our pizzas in their seasons.
We're also incorporating wild leeks, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even the scent of spruce to impart an aromatic twist. These natural ingredients offer unparalleled flavors and a connection to the wilderness that cultivated alternatives can't match.
5. Specialty Honey
Complementing pizzas with honey has secured its place in the savory-sweet combination hall of fame. Bolstered by the past sensation of spicy honey, this year we see an abundance of special honey types making their mark right before serving.
Exotic varieties such as truffle, fermented garlic, aromatic mesquite, and CBD-enhanced honey are being spotted on menus all over. These drizzled delights are transforming even the ordinary pizza into a refined dish.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings flirting with the top spots include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, like the summery stone fruits of peaches and plums
- Ancient grains offering crunch, like toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Bespoke butter varieties, such as savory cultured or herbed compound butters
Whether your preference lies with time-honored recipes or the allure of novel flavors, pizza remains supremely versatile and unequaled in global affection. Here at Crust & Crumble Pizzeria, we pay homage to the classics while boldly diving into experimentation, giving our patrons the best of both worlds.
Have these trending toppings graced your palate yet? Or do you have a distinct combination you're eager for us to explore? Share your thoughts in the comments, or talk to us on your next visit!