The pizza landscape is ever-evolving, and 2023 has introduced its unique flavors and styles. At FlavorCrumbBowl, we diligently observe and integrate global pizza topping preferences. Here are the top five toppings that pizza aficionados are going crazy over this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The rise in popularity of gut-friendly foods has spread to pizza, with fermented veggies gaining unexpected accolades atop the crust. Tangy pickles like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing their complex flavors to the pizza party, pairing beautifully with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren’t just tasty; they add probiotic qualities and introduce new textural experiences.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pizza offers a blend of in-house crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all balanced with a sprinkle of local apiary's honey. It might strike you as an atypical mix, but it's swiftly ascended to star status on our specialty pie list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has translated into soaring demand for pizzas adorned with meat-alternative toppings. More than just vegetable assortments, these innovative proteins are impressing even the staunchest carnivores.
From plant-based Italian sausage to tempeh, jackfruit disguised as pulled pork, and pea protein replicating pepperoni, these proteins are becoming staples at our establishment. These choices aren't just for the vegetarians; they're selected for their distinctive flavors and more digestible qualities.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor a fiery bite are celebrating the shift from standard red pepper flakes to distinctive regional chilies. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a hot favorite, other varieties like smoky ñora, fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also earning their stripes on pizzas.
Our Spice Trail pizza is a celebration of these diverse chilies, with each of the four slices showcasing a different chili's unique taste, catering to our patrons who favor bold and daring flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging has brought the wildness of nature directly onto the pizza, signifying an expansion of the farm-to-table concept. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are a significant part of this trend, featured during their respective seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our experimental toppings have included spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips, connecting our customers to the wilderness and delivering incomparable natural flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has made a permanent home for itself in the realm of pizza, transcending its status as a fleeting fad. The year 2023 has welcomed a variety of unique honey infusions, added to pizzas right before they're served.
Diverse selections like truffle infused honey, garlic fermented honey, and special mesquite variety, are popping up on menus nationwide. These honeys lend a layer of sophistication and are a game-changer for even the simplest pizza combinations.
Honorable Mentions
Additional noteworthy toppings that have nearly made the cut include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza surface for a rich finishing touch
- Pickled fruits, with a nod to stone varieties such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain sprinkle-ons, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, adding texture
- Gourmet artisanal butter dollops, including varieties like cultured or herb compound butters
Pizza remains a canvas for creativity, whether you're a purist who cherishes timeless recipes or on the lookout for bold flavor mixtures. At FlavorCrumbBowl, we respect the classics while enthusiastically exploring new culinary frontiers; that's why our menu proudly offers everything from the iconic Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Which of these top toppings have you enjoyed? Or perhaps you have an innovative topping suggestion you'd love? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by for a chat next time!