As the years pass, pizza's landscape is invariably transformed by fresh gastronomic fads, and 2023 has its share of exciting new topping trends. Here at Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we closely track what delights the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the top pizza toppings that have become sensations this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut wellness has newly penetrated the pizza scene, making fermented vegetables an unexpected sensation. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tantalizing tang that melds seamlessly with traditional cheese and sauce. These toppings are not just flavor enhancers but also contribute gut-friendly probiotics and an invigorating textural aspect.
The Fermentation Fest pizza at our establishment marries house-made sauerkraut with kimchi and gorgonzola cheese, topped with a drizzle of local honey to soften the tangy punch. While it may seem out of the ordinary, it has rapidly climbed the ranks to be one of our top-requested pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets has prompted an upswing in demand for pizzas with inventive meat-free options. Far from your typical veggie toppings, the latest in plant-based protein innovations are pleasing even the staunchest carnivores.
Menu additions like plant-based crumbles of Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are becoming staples. These toppings are chosen not only by vegans and vegetarians but also by customers looking for distinct flavors and a lighter meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Chili enthusiasts are celebrating! Pizza connoisseurs in 2023 have been gravitating towards distinct regional chilies instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Favorites include fiery Calabrian chilies, along with the smokiness of Spanish ñora chilies, the fruitiness of Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang's zesty kick.
We excite the palates with our International Spice pizza, featuring a quartet of diverse regional peppers, each adding its own unique spice profile to the pizza's quarters. This fiery delight has particularly resonated with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients have made their move from the wild to the pizza wheel, with an ever-growing popularity in wild seasonal picks. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that show up during their natural growing periods.
We've broadened our foraging horizons to include ramp (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips, delivering unreplicable flavors deeply rooted in nature.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness with savory elements has transcended fad status, securing its place as a staple. Expanding on the craze for spicy honey, 2023 has observed an array of special honey drizzles being splashed over pizzas just before serving.
A variety of honey including truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite-flavored honey, as well as CBD-enriched honey, have been sprouting up on menus nationwide. These unique toppings introduce an extra layer of gourmet complexity to even the simplest pies.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't quite make the top five but have still been making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pie providing a luxurious dusting
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Toppings made from heritage grains, aiming for texture with crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Premium butter dabs, especially those cultured or mixed with fine herbs
Whether you're a purist who honors timeless classics or an epicurean eager for bold new flavor mixes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we celebrate time-honored traditions while championing culinary creativity, evident in our menu that features both the iconic Margherita and pioneering pizzas.
Have any of these trendy toppings made it to your pizza yet? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite you'd prefer to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!