As each year passes, we encounter new gastronomic fads in the realm of pizza. The year 2023 has its share of such trends. At SteadyPlanet Pizzeria, we diligently track what's captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our curated list of the most thrilling and beloved pizza toppings that are currently making a splash.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has spilled over into pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their complex sour flavors, meshing well with the heartiness of cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only packed with probiotics but also introduce a new texture profile to the classic pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, graced with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese paired with a splash of regional honey to counteract the sourness, may seem peculiar, yet it's quickly ascending to become one of our fan-favorite specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of the plant-based diet trend is noticeable, leading to an amplified demand for pizzas dressed with inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond conventional vegetable toppings, advancements in plant-based protein sources provide alternatives that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
Substitutes like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, spicy tempeh, tangy jackfruit pulled pork, and protein from peas fashioned as pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These plant-based offerings appeal to a broad audience for their distinctive tastes and a gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a fiery kick, 2023 has seen pizza lovers gravitating towards specific regional chili varieties instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Popular are the fiery Calabrian chilies, alongside new entries like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, aromatic Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Spice pizza is a blend of these regional chilies, each lending its distinct flavor profile to different sections of the pizza, offering a spicy escapade beloved by those seeking culinary adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has transformed into a forest-to-pizza phenomenon, with the burgeoning popularity of ingredients foraged in the wild. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas during their peak seasons.
Exploring beyond fungi, we've introduced wild ramps (wild leeks), marine greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that impart distinct aromatic notes. These ingredients provide a connection to the natural environment and offer flavors that are impossible to find elsewhere.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to bridge sweet and savory tastes has solidified its role beyond a fleeting craze. Expanding upon the vogue for spiced honey, the year 2023 has ushered in a variety of specialty honeys being drizzled atop pizzas just before serving.
Options like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and even honey infused with CBD have found their way onto menus nationwide. These final drizzles lend a sophisticated edge and elevate even the simplest of pizza recipes to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that narrowly missed making our top five but are still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a velvety cascade
- Pickled stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grain garnishes, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Small scoops of artisan butter, particularly those mixed with cultured or herbs
Whether you favor traditional flavors or desire to explore courageous new fusions, pizza is one of the globe's most versatile and cherished dishes. At SteadyPlanet Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also diving into modern innovation—this is why our menu is a mix of the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trendy ingredients? Or perhaps you have an exceptional personal topping combination you'd like to suggest? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our place!