Each year introduces fresh gastronomic fads, particularly in the realm of pizzas, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, keeping an eye on the preferred flavors of pizza aficionados internationally is our specialty. Here we present the top five pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health remains a focus, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas. Variants such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and picked onions are infusing pizzas with a delectably complex, sour zest that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and savory sauces. Apart from their probiotic qualities, these toppings add new textural elements to a classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a touch of local honey to offset the sourness. This unique blend is swiftly becoming a top option amongst our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Vegetable-based eating is on the rise, leading to an uptick in requests for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. These aren't your run-of-the-mill vegetables; new plant-based proteins offer alternatives that could convince staunch carnivores.
We're now dishing up pizzas topped with plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These proteins cater to more than just vegetarians, as many patrons choose them for their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek spicy flavors, the trend has shifted towards specialized chilies from various regions over standard pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a hit, others like Aleppo pepper, smoked Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gracing pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza is an amalgam of four different chilies, each lending its own unique spice profile to the pizza's sectors. It's a fiery gastronomic journey that's garnering favor with our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table wave now includes foraged foods from nature to pizza. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, with fans enjoying varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their seasons.
We've branched out to other wild ingredients such as spring ramps, oceanic plants including dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their aromatic flair. These ingredients bring customers closer to nature while delivering irreplicable tastes.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet and savory contrast has earned its place as a perennial favorite on pizzas. Specialty honey varieties have surged in 2023, being used as a final garnish on pizzas.
Unique options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey are finding their way onto pizzas, imparting a complex gourmet finish that upgrades even the simplest pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that are gaining interest, yet didn't quite make the top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks that are delicately shaved over the pizza
- Quick-pickled fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crispy ancient grains like farro for a textured bite
- Small dollops of specialty butter, offering cultured or herby flavors to the mix
Pizza remains an incredibly versatile and beloved dish, whether you prefer time-honored classics or are eager to sample innovative new pairings. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we celebrate established traditions while also welcoming novel creations, thus our menu offers everything from the classic Margherita to boundary-pushing gourmet pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Maybe you have a distinctive topping combination in mind that you'd love for us to feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!