As pizza continually evolves as a culinary staple, each year ushers in fresh trends for enthusiasts, and 2023 is brimming with innovation. At Crust & Craftsmanship, tracking global pizza trends is essential as we explore burgeoning flavors loved by pizza aficionados. Below, we showcase the pizza topping trends that have created a buzz this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
Gut health has transitioned into the pizza sector, with an array of fermented vegetables becoming a surprising success on pies. The tangy bursts of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are a perfect foil to the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings do more than enhance flavor; they offer probiotic advantages and introduce new textural aspects to pizza.
The debut of our Fermentation Fiesta pie features in-house sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, all harmonized with a sweet local honey drizzle. While it may seem like an unconventional mix, it's swiftly ascended to the top of our specialty pizza requests.
2. Plant-Based Meats
The plant-based diet's momentum has fueled a heightened request for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie toppings, the latest plant-based protein innovations can sway even staunch carnivores.
Our menu now includes varieties like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. Opting for these proteins extends beyond vegetarian choices; customers are drawn to their distinctive tastes and their less taxing effect on digestion.
3. Specialty Peppers
For those who seek a spicy kick, 2023 has welcomed the passion for specific types of chilies over the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, there's also a newfound appreciation for distinct peppers such as the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the rich Korean gochujang spread.
The Global Heat pizza is our adventurous offering featuring a collection of four different chilies, each taking a quarter of the pizza to showcase its individual taste profile. This spicy assortment has won over guests inclined toward bold flavor explorations.
4. Wild Foraged Additions
With the farm-to-table concept evolving, foraged toppings have grown in popularity, especially when they're seasonally sourced. Leading this charge are wild mushrooms, with sought-after types like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making their way onto pizzas at peak season.
Besides mushrooms, we've explored wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and fragrant spruce tips, bringing a distinct aromatic touch. These naturally sourced ingredients provide an unmatched earthy flavor profile that cultivated ingredients simply can't reproduce.
5. Unique Honey Glazes
The use of honey for its sweet and savory balance has become an enduring favorite. The rise of specialty honey varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite, and CBD-laced honey has added a new level of sophistication as a finishing drizzle on pizzas.
Each honey type adds nuanced complexity and can transform even the simplest pizza into a gourmet concoction.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings just outside the top five include:
- Aged egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a luxurious effect
- Pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Historical grains for added crunch, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Artisanal butters, like cultured or herbed, in small amounts for richer flavor
No matter if you're a purist who sticks to time-honored classics or an experimenter open to pioneering pairings, pizza remains a globally cherished and infinitely versatile dish. At Crust & Craftsmanship, we pay homage to tradition while equally welcoming the new—that's why our menu bolsters both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde creations alike.
Have these up-and-coming toppings piqued your interest? Or do you have an inventive combination in mind you wish we'd offer? Drop a comment or share with us on your next visit!