Each year introduces fresh trends in pizza gastronomy, and 2023 is no different. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, tracking the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide is a priority for us. We have compiled a list of the most exhilarating and sought-after pizza toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has transitioned into the pizza space, with fermented vegetables emerging as this year's unexpected topping favorites. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending their zesty flavors, perfectly complementing the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings offer probiotic health benefits while bringing a new twist of texture to classic pizza.
Featured on our menu is the Fermentation Fiesta pie, adorned with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of regional honey to offset the sour notes. It may seem like an unconventional mix, yet it has quickly risen to be one of our most in-demand specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people opt for plant-forward diets, there's been an uptick in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Diversifying beyond usual veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have been welcomed, often satisfying staunch carnivores.
We're now serving plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein alternatives to pepperoni. These offerings cater not only to vegetarians but also to patrons looking for distinctive flavors and a more digestible option.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Devotees of spice are celebrating! The year 2023 has seen pizza lovers gravitate towards distinct regional chili peppers rather than reaching for the usual red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have continued their streak of popularity from past years, and now we're observing the emergence of peppers like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang on pizzas.
The Global Spice pizza brings together a quartet of diverse regional chilies, assigning each its own quarter on the pizza, making for a fiery globetrotting experience that's gained favor particularly with our bold clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Wild-foraged components are the new stars in pizzas, a natural evolution of the farm-to-table practice. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms, with types like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing seasonally on pizza.
We've also dabbled with wild ramps, oceanic ingredients such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips which offer a one-of-a-kind aromatic kick. These wild-gathered ingredients offer diners a connection to nature with flavors that are elusive in farm-produced varieties.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Introducing honey as a complement to savory notes has become a fixed trend. Following the well-received spicy honey in prior years, 2023 has unveiled an array of specialty honey types used as a garnish for pizzas.
Exotic varieties, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey, are being featured in dining venues nationwide. Applied as a final flourish, these honeys add an intricate layer of taste, transforming even simple pizzas into refined delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed entering our top list but are still leaving an impact include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza like golden flakes
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Whole grain garnishes, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Dabs of handcrafted butter (especially cultured or mixed with herbs)
Whether you stick to time-honored classics or are brave enough to explore pioneering flavor pairs, pizza remains a universally versatile and cherished dish. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we pay homage to the classics while also embracing novelty. That’s why our menu includes both the traditional Margherita and experimental, trendsetting creations.
Have these trending toppings caught your attention? Or is there a distinctive pairing you're eager to find on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!