With each passing year, the pizza industry sees fresh trends that captivate the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. At SeedBreadKitchen, we consistently observe the flavors that enthrall pizza connoisseurs. Here is a list of the top pizza topping sensations that are currently the buzz in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizza menus are increasingly featuring fermented veggies due to a heightened interest in gut health. Flavors from kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with a zesty, complex taste that pairs well with creamy cheese and savory sauce. These fermented choices don't just offer probiotic perks; they also add an innovative texture profile to the conventional pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our establishment, laden with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a distinctive gorgonzola cheese blend, then perfected with a touch of local honey, is gaining popularity fast. The flavors are unconventional, but they're winning over customers rapidly.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The appetite for plant-based cuisine shows no signs of waning, with an uptick observed in the demand for meat-free options on pizzas. Beyond typical veggies, the advent of plant-based protein variations offers a new edge that even devoted carnivores can appreciate.
On our menu, you'll find toppings like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork style marinated jackfruit, and pepperoni made from pea protein. These protein choices are a hit not solely with those who abstain from meat but also with customers eager for new tastes and a less weighty post-meal feeling.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor a fiery slice are flocking to regional chili varieties over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite from past years, pizzas are now being adorned with unique peppers like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza is topped with an assortment of four different chilies, each lending a distinctive flavor to the pizza's quadrants. It's proving to be a hit with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
A twist on the local produce trend, wild foraged ingredients directly from nature are now favored toppings. Leading this new preference are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace pizzas during their respective seasons.
We're also including wild leeks (known as ramps), seaweed varieties like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These additions forge a connection to nature and impart flavors that cultivated ingredients can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Sweet and savory flavors unite with honey, which has established a strong foothold in the pizza topping domain. In 2023, there's an array of specialty honeys being drizzled atop pizzas, further solidifying the trend.
From truffle to fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite varieties, and unique non-intoxicating blends, these honeys can transform even the simplest pizza into a gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
Some toppings that narrowly missed the cut but are still notable include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza, like a dusting of golden powder
- Pickled fruits, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain options, offering crunch and texture, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Artisan butter dabs, including cultured and mixed herb varieties
No matter if you’re someone who honors originality or if you’re inclined towards unique and trailblazing flavor combinations, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and cherished dishes internationally. At SeedBreadKitchen, we value both the time-honored creations and the new; hence, our range includes both the traditional Margherita and innovative new specialty pies.
Let us know if you've had a chance to try any of these trending toppings or if there's a distinctive flavor pairing you'd love for us to feature! Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit.