As the years change, so do the trends in the pizza universe, and 2023 has its own array of toppings catching the attention of pizza aficionados everywhere. At PaperLumenCraft, we're always on the lookout for the flavors that are resonating with fans of this beloved dish. Without further ado, here are the topping trends that are dominating this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have taken over pizza menus, thanks to the rising interest in gut-friendly diets. Toppings such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and tangy pickled onions bring a complex zest to pizzas and introduce an array of probiotic advantages, as well as new textures to the mix.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a crowd-pleaser, with homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, gorgonzola, and a sweet touch of local honey to even out the tartness. It's a bit non-traditional, yet it's flying out of the kitchen due to its popularity.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets has led to an uptake in plant-based protein as pizza toppings. No longer limited to typical veggies, these plant-based wonders are winning over the hearts of meat fans as well.
Expect to find toppings like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to taste like pepperoni. These options interest not only vegetarians but also customers interested in their distinctive tastes and health benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those seeking heat on their pizza are now opting for distinct regional chili peppers instead of the generic crushed red pepper. Chilies from all over, including Calabrian, smoky Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are spicing up pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a spicy tour with four different regional chilies, each adding its signature flavor to parts of the pizza. It's an international hot experience that's particularly beloved by our bolder customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
From the woods to your plate, foraged ingredients are the new “in” thing in pizzas. Leading this trend are various wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing on pizzas in their peak seasons.
We also play with wild ramps, sea delights like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that provide a distinctive aromatic taste. These ingredients make for an earnest sensory connection to nature and offer flavors not found in commercially grown foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The addition of honey provides a delightful contrast of sweet and savory, which has now become more than just a fad. This year, we’ve witnessed a surge in the use of unique honey varieties as pizza finishes.
Expect to find pizzas topped with truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey. These enhance and sophisticate the taste of even the simplest pizza recipes.
Honorable Mentions
Other stand-out toppings that nearly made our list but deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks grated over pizza for a touch of elegance
- Pickled stone fruits, like peaches and plums, for a tart twist
- Crunchy ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, particularly those mixed with herbs or cultured
Whether you stick to the classic tastes or you’re eager to try novel flavors, pizza's versatility remains unmatched. At PaperLumenCraft, we cherish time-honored methods as much as we seek out new culinary creations. That's why our menu boasts both the original Margherita and state-of-the-art specialty pies.
Are there any of these trendy toppings you've already tried? Or perhaps you have a distinct combo in mind that you wish we offered? Let your thoughts be known in the comments, or talk to us when you’re next in the neighborhood!