Each year introduces novel food fads to the pizza scene, and 2023 follows suit. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, our focus is to stay abreast of what's capturing the culinary interests of pizza aficionados worldwide. Presenting our compilation of the top sought-after and buzz-generating pizza toppings of the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The interest in digestive health has surged into the realm of pizza-making, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected hit among toppings this year. Flavors such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are imparting a complex, zesty taste, balancing out the creamy density of cheese and sauces. These fermented additions are not just tasty but are also packed with gut-friendly probiotics, bringing an exciting new textural twist to the classic pizza.
Our unique Fermentation Fest pizza is a testament to this trend, featuring our signature sauerkraut and kimchi, coupled with gorgonzola cheese and topped off with a splash of sweet, local honey to offset the sourness. While the mix may appear unconventional, it has swiftly become a favorite amongst our specialty pizza offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centered diets gain traction, so does the demand for pizzas topped with imaginative meat substitutes. No longer limited to typical veggie toppings, the scene is now showcasing alternatives that even the most passionate carnivores appreciate.
Menu items now boast plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These meat-free options aren't merely for plant-lovers; many patrons opt for them due to their distinct flavors and ease of digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating! This year, the spotlight shines on special, locale-specific chili types instead of the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their reign of popularity, we're also witnessing an uptake in the use of Aleppo pepper, the smokiness of Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity kick of Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a mix of four distinct chili peppers, each gracing different sections of the pizza with its unique taste profile. This spicy journey is particularly popular among our more audacious customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Goods
The concept of local sourcing has expanded to encompass forest-foraged goods, especially with seasonally available wild ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which find their way onto pizzas in line with their growth seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our experiments include springs ramps (wild leeks), marine greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a distinct aromatic flair. These natural components don't just offer unique flavors unattainable through cultivation but also form a connection between the eater and the wild.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors brought by honey's sweetness have become an enduring aspect of the pizza world. Expanding upon the well-received spicy honey trend of past years, 2023 ushers in a variety of specialized honeys that are drizzled atop pizzas right before serving.
Including truffle-flavored honey, garlic-infused fermented honey, a smoky mesquite variety, and even CBD-enriched honey, these drizzles are popping up on pizzeria menus nationwide. Such final touches are not merely for flavor—they enhance even the simplest of pizzas to a high-end delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that just missed our main list but are still causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, resembling a dusting of golden flakes
- Quick-pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Artisanal butter varieties, especially cultured or herbed compound butters
Whether you're a pizza purist or a culinary trailblazer, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At Crust & Hearth Pizzeria, we celebrate the classics while welcoming the new—that's why our menu boasts both the timeless Margherita and the avant-garde specialties.
Are any of these top toppings on your must-try list? Or have you got an innovative topping idea you'd wish to see us attempt? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us on your next visit!