As we progress through each year, pizza gastronomy sees new fads emerge, and 2023 is no different. Here at CalmHarbour Pizzeria, we keep a keen eye on the flavors that are tantalizing the palates of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here's the list of current pizza topping trends that are creating a buzz this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health importance has seeped into the realm of pizza craft, placing fermented veggies in the limelight as an unexpected yet savory pizza topping in this year. Items such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate sour notes that mesh well with the creamy texture of cheese and pizza sauce. Not only do these toppings bring about probiotic perks, but they also add a novel textural aspect to conventional pizzas.
Our newly crafted Fermentation Celebration pizza includes our homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all tied together with a hint of local honey to neutralize the sourness. While the blend may seem atypical at first, it’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after gourmet pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascension of plant-based diet preference has driven up the demand for pizza toppings that feature meat-free alternatives. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, new plant-powered proteins are making headway, providing options that even the most staunch carnivores can appreciate.
We're now serving plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni as part of our standard offerings. These toppings have gained traction not just among vegetarians but for their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on digestion among all our customers.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a fiery touch, this year has seen a surge in the use of specific types of chili peppers as opposed to the basic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a fan favorite, we've also spotted an uptick in the usage of distinctive chilies like the Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza serves up a fusion of four separate regional chilis, each imparting its own distinctive flavor profile to the pizza's various segments. It's become an enticing pick for our customers looking for a spicy culinary journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The current trend has shifted from the farm-to-table initiative to a forest-to-pizza approach, favoring the use of seasonally foraged foodstuffs. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms gracing pizzas depending on their seasonality.
In addition to mushrooms, we're trying out other wild foods like spring ramps, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and fragrant spruce tips. These foraged items offer a connection to the wilderness and pack flavors that can’t be reproduced in a commercial setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey sweetness against the savory backdrop has secured its place in the pizza scene, no longer regarded as a fleeting trend. Following the success of spicy honey in recent years, we have seen the emergence of specialized honey varieties being elegantly drizzled on pizzas right before they're served.
Honeys infused with elements like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD now feature in restaurants nationwide. These final drizzles contribute depth and upgrade even the simplest pizza to a gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn’t make our top five but are definitely making a mark include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a touch of opulence
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, offering textures like crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- High-quality butter variations, especially those enhanced with cultures or infused with herbs
Whether you adhere to timeless classics or crave to experiment with daring new flavor amalgamations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At CalmHarbour Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored traditions whilst also pursuing innovative tastes—this is why our menu features the iconic Margherita alongside avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these trending toppings piqued your interest? Or perhaps there’s a creative combination you’d like to witness on our menu? Share with us your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!