Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza sector, and 2023 is filled with innovations. At PlainPromenade, our team constantly watches which flavors are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our compilation of the most exciting and in-demand pizza toppings making an impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a focal point, fermented vegetables have surfaced as a surprising addition to pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer complex sour flavors that enhance the creamy taste of cheese and sauce. These toppings provide not only probiotics but also add new textural layers to the classic pizza form.
The Fermentation Festival pizza at our eatery, topped with our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and finished with a touch of local honey to temper the sourness, may seem unconventional yet has quickly turned into one of our top-requested specialty dishes.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets has sparked increased interest in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Alongside typical veggies, new plant-based protein varieties cater to even the staunchest carnivores' tastes.
We've augmented our menu with options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, infused tempeh, marinated jackfruit posing as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. They're gaining popularity not only among vegetarians but also for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a good kick of spice, this year has seen a switch from standard red pepper flakes to specific regional chilies on pizzas. While Calabrian chilies keep their standing, we're also noticing incorporation of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
The World of Spice pizza delivers a spectrum of heat with four distinct regional chilies, providing an individual flavor journey across the pizza. This hot creation has gained a following among our more daring guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging brings a slice of the wild directly onto pizzas as part of the evolved farm-to-table concept. This trend is led by wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in sync with their natural growing seasons.
We've also incorporated wild ramps, ocean-derived greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These special components forge a connection with nature and provide unparalleled flavors that are hard to find in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet and savory pairing of honey has ingrained itself in the pizza domain. Continuing from the past trend of hot honey, the year 2023 has welcomed a variety of distinctive honeys which are drizzled atop pizzas prior to serving.
Some of the unique honey options include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD, which are making their way onto menus nationwide. These honeys contribute a layer of sophistication and can transform a simple pizza into a refined dish.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that nearly made our top five but are still significantly impacting include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizzas like showers of golden dust
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter dabs, particularly cultured or herby compound butters
Whether your tastes lean towards the timeless classics or you're open to experimenting with daring new flavors, pizza remains as one of the most adaptable and cherished dishes worldwide. At PlainPromenade, we respect time-honored traditions while welcoming culinary creativity—that's why our selections span from the original Margherita to pioneering specialty creations.
Are there any of these trending toppings you've sampled? Or perhaps you have an innovative favorite combination you'd want us to consider? Share with us in the comment section or during your next visit!