Each year, the pizza industry is infused with innovative culinary waves, and 2023 follows suit. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we diligently follow what's captivating the palates of pizza aficionados internationally. Presenting our selection of the top pizza toppings that are making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has found a place in pizza kitchens, and fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected topping trend this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with intricate zesty flavors that meld well with the creamy cheese and sauce. These garnishes are packed with probiotics and add a new textural twist to traditional pizzas.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza is laden with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a touch of local honey for sweetness, countering the sourness. It may seem unconventional, yet it's fast becoming a sought-after choice.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has translated to an upswing in plant-based pizza options that are appealing to even the most staunch meat enthusiasts. Rather than the usual veggie toppings, innovative plant-based proteins have surfaced.
Options like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit, and pea-based pepperoni now adorn our menu. These alternatives aren't solely for those avoiding meat—they appeal for their distinctive tastes and the feeling of lightness they offer post-meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza lovers with a penchant for heat are celebrating the embrace of specific chili varieties in place of generic red pepper flakes. Chilies such as Calabrian, Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are gaining popularity as toppings.
Our Global Heat pizza is a blend of four distinct chilies, each lending its special flavor to the pizza. This spicy concoction has been a hit with those seeking a culinary thrill.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The transition from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza is marked by the rise of foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing our pizzas in sync with their natural seasons.
We're also experimenting with spring ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These components connect customers to nature and offer distinct flavors that can't be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The marriage of sweet and savory with honey has been more than just a fleeting fancy. Following the buzz around hot honey, the year 2023 has introduced a variety of specialty honey drizzles applied to pizzas upon serving.
Honey variants such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-enriched honey are now featured in pizzerias nationwide. These specialty drizzles add a layer of complexity and can take even the simplest pizza to a sophisticated level.
Honorable Mentions
Not quite making our top listing yet still noteworthy are:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizzas for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Whole grain garnishes, adding crunch with toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, including options seasoned with herbs or cultured varieties
Whether you favor timeless classics or are eager to explore bold new flavors, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and universally loved dishes. Here at Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we honor time-honored recipes while also diving into new culinary endeavors—that's why our menu includes everything from the classic Margherita to avant-garde specialty creations.
Have these trending toppings caught your attention? Or perhaps you have an unconventional favorite you'd like to share? Drop us a comment or visit us to discuss your ideas!