As the calendar turns, pizza continually evolves with fresh gastronomic trends, and 2023 has brought in a wealth of flavors. At PinecreekWay Pizzeria, we keep a close watch on global preferences shaping the pizza scene. Below is our curated list of top pizza toppings that have captured the hearts of pizza aficionados this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has transitioned into the pizza domain with fermented vegetables rising to unexpected stardom on pizzas. The intricate sour notes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions balance out the creamy cheese and savory sauces. These toppings aren't only healthy due to their probiotic properties, but they also offer a novel textural twist to familiar pizza profiles.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza on our menu boasts our own sauerkraut and kimchi, coupled with gorgonzola cheese and a touch of local honey to counteract the sourness. It may initially seem odd, but has fast become a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets has been marked by a surge in meat alternative toppings on pizza. Beyond traditional vegetables, the advent of inventive plant-based meat mimics is appealing not just to vegetarians but also to those fond of meat.
We feature a selection of these proteins, including plant-derived Italian sausage bits, herbed tempeh, relished jackfruit assuming the role of pulled pork, and pea protein mimicking pepperoni. They're chosen for both their distinct flavors and a lighter eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has piqued the interest of those with a penchant for spicy foods through an embrace of specific chili peppers. While Calabrian chilies maintain their allure, we're also seeing an uptick in the use of distinct chilies like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and thick Korean gochujang sauce.
Our Global Heat pizza presents a quartet of these diverse chilies, each assigning its distinctive heat and flavor to different segments of the pizza, catering to our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of locally-sourced food has expanded to include wild, foraged offerings on pizzas. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace our pizzas in their peak seasons.
We've also been experimenting with wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, delivering a unique aromatic flair. These elements forge a connection with nature while imparting flavors unattainable in mass-produced ingredients.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory brought about by honey has secured a following. The year 2023 has witnessed a proliferation of unique honey types used as drizzles on pizza just before it's served.
Notable varieties include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey. These drizzles deepen flavor profiles and give even the simplest of pizzas a high-end twist.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that have gained recognition include:
- Preserved egg yolks, delicately grated over pizzas for a rich garnish
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Artisanal butters, particularly those cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you're a purist who adores timeless recipes or someone eager to explore unconventional blends, pizza persists as a universally cherished and versatile dish. At PinecreekWay Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored flavors while also pioneering new tastes, which is why our menu includes everything from the classic Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings yet? Or perhaps you've got a unique combo you'd like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments, or drop by and tell us!