Each new year introduces fresh trends in the realm of pizza toppings, and 2023 is no different. Here at EquilibriumPassage, our continuous goal is to keep an eye on what's gaining popularity amongst pizza aficionados worldwide. We've put together a list of this year's top choices that are currently the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a significant concern for many, and this has spilled over into the pizza domain with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. The intricate sour notes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions not only offer the probiotic goodness but also bring a whole new layer of textures to the traditional pizza form.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza on our menu highlights our own take on sauerkraut, kimchi, and a blend of gorgonzola cheese, with a hint of domestic honey for just the right amount of sweetness to tame the sour edge. While the blend may seem offbeat, it's become a crowd pleaser quite quickly.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has led to an upswing in the variety of meat substitute toppings. Moving beyond the usual veggie garnishes, breakthroughs in plant proteins offer mouthwatering alternatives that even the most ardent meat enthusiasts can enjoy.
We now serve toppings such as plant-based crumbles imitating Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni alternatives. And it's not just vegetarians who opt for these toppings; they're chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and their ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those chasing the heat are in for a treat in 2023, as we see a rise in pizzas adorned with specific chilies from distinct regions, rather than generic pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be in favor, while Aleppo pepper, smoked Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making their culinary mark on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza brings together a combination of these regional chilies, each adding their unique taste to different parts of the pie. It's a fiery journey popular among those looking for a novel flavor experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as a farm-to-table movement has extended into the pizza sphere with the adoption of foraged, woodland ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which crop up according to the season.
We're also sourcing items like wild ramps, seaside greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for that distinctive aromatic touch. These naturally harvested ingredients not only forge a connection with nature but impart flavors truly unrivaled by cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet against savory that honey offers has taken a firm hold beyond a simple trend. The growing admiration for hot honey in previous years has evolved with 2023 witnessing an assortment of specialist honeys gracing pizzas right before they're served.
Exquisite varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey are just a few of the options on offer. These special drizzles amplify the profiles of pizzas, turning even the most simplistic recipes into connoisseur delights.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that didn't make our top list but deserve a mention for their popularity include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, creating an effect akin to yellow snowfall
- Pickled fruits, specifically stone fruit varietals such as peaches and plums
- Toppings made from heritage grains, like toasted farro or sorghum puffs, for a unique crunch
- Spots of artisan butter, including cultured varieties or those infused with herbs
Whether your palate favors the time-tested classics or seeks to explore bold, innovative pairings, pizza holds its status as a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At EquilibriumPassage, we respect time-honored traditions yet aren't shy about embracing new horizons, which is why you'll find both the iconic Margherita and our boundary-pushing specialties gracing our menu.
Are you familiar with any of these top-trending toppings? Or maybe you have a treasured combination you'd wish to see on the menu? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!