With every passing year, the pizza industry ushers in fresh trends, and 2023 is not behind. At DoughMaestro's Hearth, we keep a close watch on the flavors that are captivating pizza enthusiasts all over the world. This is our list of this year's top trending and most beloved pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Veggies
Pizza is joining the gut health movement, with fermented vegetables being the unexpected toppings sensation this year. The intricate, sharp flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enhancing the savory taste of cheese and pizza sauce. These toppings don't just offer probiotic advantages but also bring new textures to standard pizza offerings.
We've unveiled the Fermentation Fest pizza topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a gorgonzola variety, with a drizzle of locally-sourced honey to soften the sharpness. While the mixture may seem novel, it is swiftly soaring to the top of our specialty pizza requests.
2. Plant-Origin Proteins
Plant-based diets keep gaining momentum, leading to a noticeable increase in requests for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, cutting-edge plant-origin proteins are presenting options tempting enough for staunch carnivores.
Options such as crumbled Italian sausage made from plants, flavored tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pepperoni made from pea protein have become staples on our menu. These toppings cater not just to vegetarians but are picked by many for their distinctive taste and easier digestion.
3. Special Chili Varietals
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, the year 2023 has witnessed enthusiasts embracing particular chili varietals over the generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian peppers maintain their popularity, and we're now seeing the likes of Aleppo pepper, the smoky ñora peppers from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang sprinkled atop pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza offers a selection of four distinct regional chilies, with each contributing its own flavor characteristic to separate sections of the pizza. It's a fiery culinary journey that has proven especially appealing to our more daring customers.
4. Wild-harvested Ingredients
The locavore trend has morphed into the forest-to-pizza movement, starring wild-foraged foods like mushrooms as a leading trend. Popular varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and maitakes are gracing pizzas during their peak seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, our explorations include springtime ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, lending a distinctive aromatic essence. These natural ingredients forge a connection to the outdoors and offer unique flavors that can't be replicated in cultivation.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Honey has become a staple for creating a sweet to savory flavor pairing, advancing beyond a whimsical trend. Following the success of spicy honey, the year 2023 has seen the emergence of a variety of specialty honeys applied to pizzas just before serving.
Exquisite selections like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and even honey infused with CBD are showing up on dining menus nationally. These sophisticated final touches introduce depth of flavor, transforming even a simple pizza into a luxurious delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings not making it to our top five yet still leaving their mark include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated across the pizza surface for a rich hint of umami
- Pickled fruits which bring a tangy twist, particular those from stone fruit families like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains utilized as unique texture enhancers, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Special butters, such as cultured varieties or those infused with aromatic herbs
Whether you're someone who favors timeless classics or a culinary explorer ready to indulge in bold, novel flavors, pizza maintains its status as a universally versatile and adored dish. At DoughMaestro's Hearth, we celebrate the classics while fostering culinary creativity—this is why you'll discover both traditional Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these new wave toppings? Or do you have a special combination that you'd want us to include? Drop us a comment or mention it during your next visit to our establishment!