As the culinary landscape evolves, pizza toppings shift in popularity, and the year 2023 has brought some intriguing new flavors to the forefront. At CommonUtilityIndex, our goal is to keep our finger on the pulse of what delights pizza aficionados across the world. Below, we've curated a list of the top trending pizza toppings for this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has found its way to the pizza scene, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite. Toppings such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a rich, zesty taste that balances well with the creamy cheese and tomato sauce. Not only are these fermented toppings good for gut health, but they also add an eclectic twist of texture to classic pizzas.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie, showcasing our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, topped with a sweet hint of artisan honey, is unexpectedly turning into one of our most sought-after pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of a plant-based diet is unmistakable, leading to an increased interest in pizzas crafted with inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond generic vegetable options, the evolution of plant-based proteins has brought mouth-watering alternatives that can even persuade the most ardent meat fans.
Options on our menu now include crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These toppings are appealing not only to vegetarians but to a broad range of our customers due to their distinct tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a fiery flavor, 2023 has marked the embrace of specific chilies instead of the standard crushed red pepper. Though Calabrian chilies hold steady in their fervor from past years, unique types like Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are coming into the spotlight.
The Global Heat pizza offers a sectioned assortment of four distinct chilies, with each lending its unique taste to the mix. It's a much-loved option for our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table approach has expanded into the realm of pizza with the trend of freshly foraged, seasonal ingredients gaining traction. Leading this surge are diverse kinds of wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear during their growing seasons.
We're also serving up other wild foods like spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even the pine-like spruce tips, giving customers a taste of uncultivated, earthy flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Specialty honeys have become a staple, with variations used to enhance flavors through a savory-sweet combination. This year includes diverse and gourmet honeys like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite honey, creating a layered taste experience.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that have narrowly missed entering our top five but deserve mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a velvety touch
- Pickled fruits, particularly summer stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Heritage grains adding crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of specialty butter, like cultured or mixed with fresh herbal infusions
Whether one is a purist who prefers timeless classics or someone keen to explore bold flavor amalgamations, pizza remains a universally adaptable and adored meal. At CommonUtilityIndex, we respect time-honored traditions while also welcoming culinary creativity—our menu features both the original Margherita and innovative pizzas.
Have you had a chance to sample any of these trendy toppings? Is there a distinctive topping combination you'd like us to introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments section or during your next visit!