With each new year, pizza aficionados witness the introduction of fresh trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 is no different. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we diligently track the preferences that are winning over pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our list of the top pizza toppings that are causing a sensation this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive health has influenced pizza makers, with fermented veggies emerging as a culinary surprise. Ingredients such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a burst of zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and robust sauces. These toppings aren't merely savory; they provide probiotic advantages while adding intriguing textures to traditional pizzas.
Our exclusive Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts a sumptuous mix of homemade sauerkraut and kimchi, paired with rich gorgonzola cheese, and a hint of local honey to counteract the acidity. This unconventional blend is fast becoming a fixture in our collection of special pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets has led to a boost in plant-centric pizza options, far beyond ordinary veggies. Cutting-edge plant protein substitutes are starting to win over steadfast carnivores.
Our menu now includes choices such as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni slices. These toppings appeal not just to vegetarians but also to customers who prefer distinct tastes and a lighter gastronomic experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of spice are celebrating as chefs adopt specific chili varieties from various regions in lieu of general red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a fan favorite, new additions like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang are now gracing pizzas.
The Spice Spectrum pizza at our chain is an audacious combination of these four unique chilies, each adding a distinct taste to every slice. This fiery offering has particularly captivated our more daring guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foragers are taking the spotlight with seasonal offerings that go directly from the wilderness to the pizza. Leading the forage-forward movement are wild mushrooms including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each taking a starring role during their season.
We're also seeing wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients bring a taste of the untamed earth to the table, offering flavors that cultivated crops can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in harmonizing sweet and savory notes has evolved into a lasting trend. In 2023, a range of specialty honeys has emerged as a final embellishment on pizzas, generating a buzz of excitement.
From truffle-infused honey and fermented garlic honey to smoky mesquite honey, these unique varietals are finding their way onto discerning diners' plates, transforming traditional pizzas into masterpieces of flavor.
Honorable Mentions
Several other inventive toppings are receiving acclaim, though they didn't quite make the top five:
- Cured egg yolks grated delicately over the pizza for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains such as puffed farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Handcrafted chunks of butter, like cultured butter or mixed with aromatic herbs
Whether you stick to the classics or you're eager to experiment with novel flavors, pizzas remain an endlessly versatile and beloved dish. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we honor the classics while adventuring into new culinary spaces, which is why our menu features both time-honored Margherita and cutting-edge creations.
Have these trending toppings caught your attention, or is there a distinctive flavor combination you'd like to experience? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!