The arena of pizza is constantly seasoned with new culinary fads, and the year 2023 has been teeming with them. At Crust & Crumble Pizzeria, keeping tabs on the global pulse of pizza aficionados is our craft. Behold our selection of the top pizza toppings that are the toast of the town this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
A wave of fermented vegetables has spiced up pizza menus, stemming from the spread of gut health awareness. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are conferring intricate tart flavors that meld perfectly with the lavishness of the traditional cheese and sauce. These toppings are a trove of probiotics and offer a new twist on the pizza's typical texture.
Our innovative Cultured Zest pizza marries homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a hint of local honey to soften the sharpness. Despite its unorthodox nature, it has surged in popularity as a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has not spared the pizza world, prompting a rising interest in pizzas adorned with meat substitutes that are both inventive and appetizing. We're not just tossing on plain veggies—plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit designed to mimic pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni slices have all become staples of our menu. These options have garnered appeal for their distinctive taste profiles and the benefit of a gentler gastronomic impact.
3. Regional Chilies
Those who favor spice have seen their wishes granted in 2023, with a switch from the ubiquitous red pepper flakes to chilies with distinctive regional identities. While Calabrian chilies continue to please, new kids on the block like the smoky ñora chilies, flavorful Aleppo pepper, zesty Peruvian aji amarillo, and bold Korean gochujang have also graced our pizzas.
The Fiery Corners pizza on our menu takes you on a delightful fiery gastronomic journey with quadrants dedicated to each of these diverse chilies. This has particularly been a hit with our more daring clientele.
4. Wild Harvest
Foraging for wild, seasonal ingredients has become a significant trend, splendidly bridging the gap between wilderness and table—or in this case, pizzeria. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels, gracing our pizzas with their presence when in season.
We're also embracing ingredients like spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural flavors offer a taste experience that simply can't be replicated with farm-grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey
Honey's role in enhancing the pizza experience has transcended the realm of fad to become a full-fledged fixture. Following the hot honey phenomenon, this year we've witnessed an assortment of specialty honeys, like truffle and fermented garlic, being drizzled over pizzas as a finishing flourish.
These novel honey varieties add nuanced flavors, transforming even the simplest pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
While not topping our list, other contenders making a splash included:
- Cured egg yolks providing a rich garnish reminiscent of freshly fallen golden flakes
- Pickled stone fruits, like peaches and plums, offering a tart twist
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crisped farro or puffed sorghum, infusing texture
- Gourmet butters in variations like cultured or mixed with herbs providing a creamy richness
Whether your loyalties lie with timeless classics or your palate leans towards the thrill of novel combos, pizza's versatility and global affection remain unmatched. At Crust & Crumble Pizzeria, we revere time-honored traditions while also welcoming culinary creativity—our selection ranges from the revered Margherita to avant-garde custom creations.
Are any of these topping trends on your radar? Maybe you harbor a distinct preference or an idea for a new blend you'd love us to try? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or share them on your next visit!