As each year unfolds, so do new pizza topping trends, and 2023 is no exception. At SimpleMinnowThicket, we keenly observe which flavors capture the hearts of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the top pizza toppings that are creating a buzz this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The spotlight on digestive wellness has transitioned into the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected topping favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing intriguing, tangy tastes that harmonize with the traditional cheesy and saucy base. These toppings enhance the pizza with both probiotic qualities and novel textural experiences.
Our Ferment Fiesta pizza comes with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a type of blue cheese, drizzled with artisan honey to offset the sour notes. It may seem out of the ordinary, but it's fast becoming one of the go-to specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has also uplifted the demand for pizzas with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggie garnishes, advancements in plant-based proteins provide options that even dedicated carnivores appreciate.
We're now dishing out toppings like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, savory flavored tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to resemble pepperoni. These toppings are chosen not only by vegetarians but also by customers who favor their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of spice, 2023 has embraced distinct regional chili types over the common red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have retained their fame, and now Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are gracing pizzas with their presence.
Our International Spice pizza showcases an assortment of regional chilies, each offering its unique spicy flavor to distinct sections of the pizza. It's a fiery culinary journey gaining popularity among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table trend has branched out to include forest-to-pizza ingredients, as seasonal foraged items surge in popularity. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showing up seasonally.
We're experimenting with wild edibles like spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and flavors unmatched by cultivated counterparts.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet honey and savory pizza is a lasting culinary classic. Continuing from the hot honey trend, the current year has introduced a plethora of specialty honey varieties that are drizzled atop pizzas just before serving.
Rich options like honey infused with truffle, garlic honey that has been through fermentation, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD honey are making their way onto menus nationwide. These touches not only add depth of flavor but transform humble pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still causing waves include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizza like a dusting of gold
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains with a heritage, like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Gourmet dollops of butter like cultured or compound herb varieties
Whether you prefer timeless classics or are eager to explore bold new flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At SimpleMinnowThicket, we honor time-honored recipes while also celebrating culinary creativity—that's why you'll find both the traditional Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trending ingredients? Or perhaps you have an innovative favorite you'd like us to feature? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!