As pizza continues to reinvent itself with each passing year, 2023 has not disappointed. At WideningPerspective, we keep our finger on the pulse of global pizza trends. Below, find our curated list of the most intriguing and beloved pizza toppings that have taken the culinary scene by storm this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has carved out a place for fermented veggies on pizza menus, with kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickling-enhanced onions bringing a zestiness that pairs well with the creamy nature of cheese and sauce. These toppings enrich the pizza experience with probiotic health perks and novel textural layers.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza is a testament to this trend. We use our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and pair them with gorgonzola, all highlighted by a drizzle of artisanal honey to create a unique fusion of flavors. Though it may sound beyond the ordinary, it's fast becoming a patron favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets hasn't overlooked the pizza industry, showing a notable increase in the demand for meat-free topping options. These aren't your typical veggie toppings; instead, we're seeing innovative plant-based proteins that even hardcore carnivores appreciate.
Italian sausage substitutes made from plants, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit with a pulled pork twist, and pea protein-based pepperoni are some examples now seen more frequently on our menus. These protein options are attractive not solely to vegetarians but to customers looking for distinct flavors and a gentler digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating the 2023 trend of pizzas topped with specific regional chili types over all-purpose red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, we're also seeing an uptick in the use of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza is a sensory excursion, with a combination of four diverse regional chilies spread across each quarter of the pie, appealing particularly to our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The localvore mindset has progressed into the realm of pizza, where chefs gather seasonal ingredients from forests and meadows themselves. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are sought after for their once-a-year availability.
We're also including wild ramps (wild leeks), marine greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, bringing a distinctive aromatic essence. These foraged finds give diners an authentic taste of nature, offering flavors that cannot be mass-produced.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The addition of honey as a pizza topping has become a sweet-to-savory sensation, transcending fad status. Specialty honey varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are drizzled atop pies to give a luxurious finish, propelling even basic pizzas to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some noteworthy toppings that didn't quite make it into our main list but deserve recognition:
- Cured egg yolk shavings, offering a velvety coating reminiscent of cheese
- Acidified fruit pieces, particularly with stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Pockets of artisanal butter, specifically varieties infused with herbs or cultures
Whether your preferences lean towards classic selections or you're open to exploring innovative pairings, pizza remains the ultimate canvas for culinary creativity. At WideningPerspective, we hold tradition in high esteem but also welcome new ideas, which is why both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde creations are available on our menu.
Have you had the pleasure of sampling any of these trendsetting toppings? Or perhaps you have a novel favorite that you'd like to see us incorporate? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us during your next visit!