As each year passes, the pizza industry sees new favorites emerge, and 2023 has been no different. At MeadowPocketGlass, we are diligently tracking the flavor trends captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our compilation of the top pizza toppings gaining traction this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's importance has made its way into pizza craft, as fermented veggies have risen in popularity as pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a unique, tangy taste that pairs well with the creamy nature of cheese and tomato sauce. Aside from their probiotic health benefits, these toppings contribute intriguing new textures to the classic pizza.
Our signature Fermentation Fiesta pie includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of local honey that adds sweetness to the sour tones. It may seem out of the ordinary, but it's swiftly reached the status of one of our most favored specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend toward plant-based diets has surged, resulting in an upswing in plant-based meat alternatives on pizza. These aren't just your usual vegetable toppings; new plant-based proteins can even appeal to the most avid meat enthusiasts.
Choices like plant-based crumbles of Italian sausage, savory tempeh, marinated jackfruit offering a pulled pork experience, and pea protein crafted as pepperoni have found a place on our menu. These aren't exclusive to vegetarians; many patrons are intrigued by their distinctive flavor profiles and a lesser impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a kick of spice, this year has good news, as pizza lovers are turning to specific chili varieties instead of the usual crushed red pepper. While the Calabrian chili has remained a top choice from previous years, we're now noticing a trend towards distinct peppers like Aleppo, smoked Spanish ñora chilies, the Peruvian aji amarillo with its fruitiness, and Korean gochujang débuts on pizza.
Our Worldwide Zest pizza brings a collection of four distinct chilies, introducing their individual tastes to separate sections of the pizza for a fiery culinary journey. It has found popularity with our more intrepid clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The move from farm-to-table has advanced into forest-to-pizza, as foraged seasonal ingredients find increasing favor. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods popping up on pizzas when in season.
In addition, our culinary experiments have brought spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These naturally-sourced ingredients offer flavors that are not replicable through farming and give a connection to the wilderness.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
A drizzle of honey's sweet and savory notes has gained a spot as a pizza staple. The trend of hot honey is now accompanied by an assortment of specialty honeys in 2023. These are lavished onto pizzas just before serving for an enhanced taste experience.
On offer are honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic honey, a smoky mesquite, and other varieties enhancing our pizzas' flavor. These drizzles transform even basic pizzas into sophisticated gourmet options.
Honorable Mentions
A selection of other toppings that almost made our list but are certainly worth mentioning include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a sprinkling of flavor.
- Cherished pickled fruits, particularly orchard fruits such as apricots and cherries.
- Grains with a heritage touch, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture.
- Tiny dollops of handcrafted butter, with options like cultured or herbed mixtures.
Whether you hold dear the timeless classics or are eager to explore novel flavor pairings, pizza remains adaptable and universally cherished. At MeadowPocketGlass, we respect time-honored methodologies while also integrating novel culinary concepts—our menu showcases both the classic Margherita and state-of-the-art gourmet creations.
Have these trending toppings caught your interest? Maybe you have a distinctive topping combination in mind you'd wish to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you drop by for a visit!