Each year ushers in a new wave of pizza topping trends, and 2023 is no different. At ThoroughfareRegistry, we stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on the toppings that are delighting pizza aficionados globally. Behold our compilation of the top, buzzworthy pizza toppings this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on maintaining a healthy gut has found its way into pizzerias, propelling fermented vegetables to popularity as an unexpected topping choice. Ingredients such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending their tangy flavors to pizzas, complementing the traditional richness of the cheese and sauce, and adding probiotic benefits along with intriguing new textures to the pizza experience.
Featuring in our Fermentation Fiesta pizza are house-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final drizzle of local honey to counteract the acidity. What might initially seem like an odd pairing has swiftly become one of our top specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With the surge in plant-based diets, there's been an increased demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond classic veggie toppings, advancements in plant protein have unveiled new options that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
Now featured on our menu are items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, juicy marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein renditions of pepperoni. These alternatives are selected by consumers not only for dietary preferences but for their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Variants
This year, lovers of spice have shifted their preferences from conventional red pepper flakes to specific types of regional chilies. While Calabrian peppers continue to enjoy their popularity, we're now noticing a rise in the use of chilies like the smoky Aleppo, Spanish ñora, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The International Zest pizza offers a collection of these diverse chilies, assigning each its unique flavor profile to distinct parts of the pizza. This spicy offering has become a firm favorite with our customers eager for gustatory exploration.
4. Foraged Seasonal Toppings
Forging a connection from the woods to the pizza, the adoption of seasonal foraged ingredients is gaining traction. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that appear frequently within their seasons.
In addition, we're foraying into the use of wild ramps (leeks), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for that unique fragrant touch. These wild-harvested additions give patrons a taste of nature while offering flavors that cultivated products cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The play of sweet against savory brought forth by honey has firmly embedded itself in the pizza world. Continuing from the trend of hot honey in past years, 2023 has witnessed a bursting diversity of specialty honeys used as a finishing drizzle on pizzas.
Truffle-infused honey, honey with fermented garlic, smoky mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-enriched honey are now gracing pizzerias nationwide. These specialty honeys add layers of sophistication and can transform even the simplest pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
While not making it into the top five, these additional toppings are nonetheless making a significant impact:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza to resemble flakes of gold
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Toppings made from heirloom grains, like crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter - both cultured and herbed compound varieties
No matter if you're a purist favoring classic flavors or a diner inclined to try innovative combinations, pizza continues to affirm its place as one of the most versatile and cherished foods globally. At ThoroughfareRegistry, we proudly uphold tradition while embracing the new—that's why our menu spans from the classic Margherita to avant-garde concoctions.
Ever experienced one of these trending toppings? Or do you have a special combo you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!