The pizza scene is never static, and as we make our way through 2023, we're observing an array of novel pizza topping trends. At MorselCraft, our team is dedicated to keeping an eye on what's thrilling the palates of pizza aficionados globally. Allow us to present to you the top pizza toppings that have been capturing attention this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has made a surprising entrance into the pizza topping scene. Fermented vegetables are now frequently stealing the spotlight. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend their complex, tangy notes to the pizza's rich cheese and sauce, providing not only a probiotic punch but also an intriguing new element of texture.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza is a crowd-pleaser, showcasing house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and a blue cheese variety, all perfectly offset with a hint of local honey to soften the sharp flavors. This unconventional blend has swiftly climbed the ranks to become a top choice among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets has seen a corresponding swell in the popularity of pizzas loaded with imaginative meat substitutes. No longer limited to basic veggies, the plant-based protein scene now provides selections that can win over even the most ardent meat fans.
We're now offering a variety of plant-based proteins, including crumbles resembling Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh bites, jackfruit treated to mimic pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni slices. These options are gaining a following not only among vegetarians but also for their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For lovers of spicy flavors, 2023 has been all about embracing distinct chili varieties from various regions, moving away from ordinary red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked, we are now also seeing the likes of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñoras, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang paste gracing our pizzas.
Try our Global Heat pizza which sports a combination of four different regional chilies, each adding its special flavor to the pizza. It's proven to be a spicy journey that's capturing the hearts of those with an appetite for adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Wild ingredients straight from nature have become increasingly beloved on pizzas as the farm-to-table wave has shifted to encompass forest-to-pizza trends. Mushrooms foraged from the wild, like chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, reign supreme, appearing during their natural growing seasons.
We've also been experimenting with wild edibles such as spring ramps, seaside plants including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that impart a distinctive aromatic flair. These elements offer a taste of the wild and deliver flavors not replicable in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's capacity to balance sweet and savory has etched its place in the pizza domain well beyond a fleeting fancy. Hot honey continues its streak of popularity, while 2023 is witnessing a surge in various specialty honey drizzles applied to pizzas just before they're served.
A range of honey varieties like truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, smoky mesquite-flavored honey, and even honey infused with CBD, are being showcased in eateries nationwide. These last touches are pivotal in bringing complexity and sophistication, transforming straightforward pizza choices into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that are making quite the impact, even though they didn't make our top five, include:
- Grated cured egg yolks dusting over the pizza like a cascading golden veil
- Pickled stone fruits, with the likes of peaches and plums taking the lead
- Grains with a heritage, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter, especially those cultured or mixed with herbs
Pizza is a dish that celebrates adaptability and is beloved universally. At MorselCraft, we revere traditional practices as much as we do culinary innovation, which is reflected in our menu that features both time-honored Margheritas as well as avant-garde creations.
Are any of these topping trends on your radar? Or do you have a distinct flavor combination you think we should try? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!