Each year, pizza aficionados are treated to an array of new topping trends, and 2023 doesn't disappoint. At GrainAndGreen, our dedication is towards tracking what delights the palates of pizza connoisseurs worldwide. Below is our curated list of the top pizza toppings making a splash in the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has arrived in the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected star on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are lending a sophisticated sour taste that beautifully offsets the creamy cheeses and robust sauces. These toppings offer not just a punch of probiotics but also add an intriguing new layer of texture to the traditional pizza.
Our innovative Fermentation Festive pie includes a combination of in-house sauerkraut and kimchi paired with gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet touch of locally sourced honey to counter the sourness. While this may seem like an unconventional mix, it's gaining popularity as one of our most sought after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in popularity of plant-based diets has led to an increased presence of meat-free toppings on pizzas. Moving beyond mere veggies, ground-breaking plant-based protein alternatives are now satisfying even the most fervent carnivores.
Options like plant-sourced Italian sausage bits, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and legume-based pepperoni have found their way onto our menu. These toppings appeal not solely to vegetarians; many patrons select them for their distinct tastes and benefits to digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
A thrill for spice enthusiasts, 2023 has welcomed pizza fans who seek out distinct regional chili varieties rather than opting for standard red pepper flakes. The heat from Calabrian chilies stays in vogue, while we’re also witnessing the entrance of peppers like the sweet-piquant Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the Peruvian fruity aji amarillo, and the fiery Korean gochujang in pizza recipes.
Our International Spice pizza delights seekers of spice with a spectrum of chili types from various regions, each lending its distinct heat to the pie. It has found a fan base particularly among customers who love culinary experiments.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
A new twist in the farm-to-table movement is the introduction of forest-sourced ingredients atop pizzas. Premium wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and maitake, are featured stars, depending on their growing season.
We're also exploring with wild ramp greens, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their unique aromatic addition. These toppings forge a connection to the wilderness and offer an authenticity that cultivated produce cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The allure of honey's sweetness contrasting with savory notes has become a distinguished flavor enhancer. Advancing beyond the craze for spicy honey, the year 2023 is witnessing a variety of specialized honeys being sprinkled on pizzas just before they are served.
Honorable Mentions
A list of other toppings that almost made it to our main list but are still causing ripples include:
- Cured egg yolk shavings, adding a rich depth much like a dusting of gold
- Pickled fruits, highlighting the tangy flavors of peaches and plums
- Antique grain garnishes, such as crunchy farro or sorghum puffs adding texture
- Gourmet butter dollops, particularly those that are cultured or mixed with fine herbs
No matter if you're someone who honors timeless recipes or a culinary adventurer eager to try out bold new blends, pizza continues as a universally cherished and versatile dish. At GrainAndGreen, we celebrate beloved traditions as well as culinary creativity, which is why our menu features both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have any of these new topping trends piqued your interest? Or perhaps you have a distinctive topping idea you'd love to see us incorporate? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know when you drop by!