As each year passes, we discover new trends in the pizza scene, and 2023 has been particularly noteworthy. Here at Crust & Charms Pizzeria, we keep a keen eye on the preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. This year, we’ve seen a list of exciting and sought-after toppings rise to prominence.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As people become more conscious of digestive health, fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprisingly popular pizza topping trend. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are starting to pop up, serving up a deliciously tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy nature of cheese and the traditional base of tomato sauce. They offer not only gut-friendly probiotics but also rich, complex flavors to the pizza experience.
On our menu is the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and a robust gorgonzola cheese, all tied together with a drizzle of sweet, local honey to contrast the sour notes. While it may sound eclectic, this creation is swiftly ascending to the top of our specialty pizza list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-forward diets are on the upswing, leading to a surge in pizzas adorned with inventive meat-free alternatives. Vegetable toppings were just the beginning, as we're now seeing a host of plant-based proteins that even the most ardent meat fans are enjoying.
Our menu now includes such offerings as plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni.” These toppings cater not solely to vegetarians but are chosen by many patrons for their distinctive tastes and more agreeable digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor spicy food, 2023 has been a delight with the rise in popularity of distinct chili types from various regions over the common crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, we've also welcomed the inclusion of Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang in top pizza recipes.
Our Global Zest pizza delights with a blend of four different chilies, each sprinkled across the pizza to introduce heat lovers to an array of distinct flavors. This pie is especially well-received by our culinarily curious patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing trend has forest-fresh finds landing directly on pizzas, as foraged seasonal ingredients have become all the rage. For example, sought-after mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods are featured during their peak seasons.
Additionally, we've been experimenting with wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips, which provide a singular aromatic twist. These components offer eaters a taste of the wilderness and boast flavors that domestic farms can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delightful sweet-savoury profile on pizza has transcended being a mere fad. With hot honey gaining popularity in past years, we've now seen a varied array of specialty honey drizzles coming into play, being applied liberally to pizzas prior to serving.
Ranging from truffle-infused to fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD, we're seeing these innovative accents on pizzerias' menus across the country, lifting even the most straightforward pizza to a high-end culinary creation.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable mentions that didn't quite make our top five but deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, resulting in a shower of savory flavor
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings like crisp farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butters, specifically those that are cultured or mixed with fresh herbs
Whether you lean towards time-honored toppings or are eager to explore bold, innovative pairings, pizza remains the ultimate canvas for culinary creativity. At Crust & Charms Pizzeria, we value the classics while also celebrating contemporary tastes — that's why our menu showcases evergreen favorites like the Margherita alongside avant-garde creations.
Have you indulged in any of these on-trend toppings? Is there a bespoke topping combination you'd love to see us introduce? We welcome your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!