Each year, we encounter fresh trends in pizza culinary art, and the year 2023 is no different. At VerdantMeadow, our goal is to keep track of what flavors are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our list of the top buzzworthy pizza toppings that have made an impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The importance of digestive health has transcended into the realm of pizza making, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Ingredients such as Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding layers of savory zest that enrich the creamy cheese and zesty sauce. These toppings do not simply offer probiotics but also add new textures to classic pizza profiles.
On our specialty Fermentation Festivity pizza, we layer homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and finish it with a honey sourced locally to counteract the sourness. It might seem unconventional, but it's swiftly turned into one of our most coveted unique pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-forward diets gain traction, there's been a noticeable increase in the desire for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have brought forth alternatives that please even die-hard carnivores.
Plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni now find a place on our menu. These protein sources aren't limited to vegetarians—many patrons opt for them due to their distinctive tastes and less taxing nature on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Individuals who enjoy a spicy kick are celebrating! In 2023, pizza enthusiasts are showing a preference for distinct regional chilies over generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies keep their status from past years, but now there's a trend towards Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza introduces a blend of four disparate regional chilies, with each contributing its singular taste to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery journey gaining popularity with our bolder customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The push for direct-from-source dining has now expanded into a trend of forest-derived elements on pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which feature prominently during their harvest time.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been incorporating spring ramps (wild leeks), marine plants like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, which impart a distinctive fragrant touch. These components offer a connection to nature and offer flavors not reproducible through farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The complementary notes of honey on savory dishes have become an enduring trend. Expanding upon the interest in spicy honey over recent years, 2023 has brought an assortment of unique honey types drizzled onto pizzas just before serving.
Honeys infused with truffle, fermented garlic, smokey mesquite, and even CBD are now gracing menus nationwide. These drizzles act as the final flourish, adding depth and transforming simple pizza options into high-end experiences.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings close to making our prime list but nonetheless contributing to the current buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks epitomizing luxury as they are zealously grated over the pizza
- Acidic preserved fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains employed as a topping for added crunch, such as crisped farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, whether cultured or infused with herbs, adding richness
Whether you favor time-honored tastes or are inclined to explore bold new flavors, pizza maintains its status as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At VerdantMeadow, we pay homage to tradition while seeking out the new—that's why our menu showcases the classic Margherita along with our avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these top toppings graced your palate lately? Maybe you have an inventive favorite of your own that you'd love for us to consider? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!