As each year arrives, it ushers in new pizza culinary trends, and 2023 is no different. At CloudVerge., keeping tabs on what delights the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. Below is our compilation of the top pizza toppings gaining traction this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With gut health gaining more attention, fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprising favorite on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing complex, tangy flavors that meld perfectly with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren't just tasty; they're also rich in probiotics and add a new dimension of texture to the classic pizza.
Our premiere Fermentation Celebration pizza is layered with our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and it's finished with a splash of local honey to cut through the sourness. While it may seem like an odd mix to some, it’s quickly become one of our fan favorites.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift to plant-based lifestyles isn't slowing down, leading to a noticeable uptick in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Not just limited to traditional veggies, today’s plant proteins offer a satisfaction that can even appeal to die-hard carnivores.
On our menu, plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork,” and pea protein crafted into pepperoni are now a common sight. These plant proteins aren’t solely for vegans and vegetarians – many of our patrons opt for them due to their distinct flavors and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those seeking heat with their pizza, the year has seen a wave of enthusiasm for distinct regional chili varieties over the typical crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a hot favorite, varieties such as the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, Aleppo pepper, and Korean gochujang are also becoming pizza staples.
Our Global Heat pizza provides an array of four different types of regional chilies, offering a unique taste in each slice. This spicy array has been particularly beloved by patrons who enjoy flavor exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has morphed into forest-to-pizza, thanks to the newfound popularity of foraged ingredients specific to each season. Leading this category are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas in their peak seasons.
We've been experimenting with other wild findings, like spring ramps, aquatic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These nature-sourced ingredients connect customers with the wild outdoors, offering flavors that are difficult to mass-produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to counterbalance savory notes has secured it a longstanding spot on the pizza scene. Following the success of spicy honey, 2023 has seen a surge in specialty honey varietals being drizzled on top of pizzas right before they're served up.
Exquisite selections like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey have popped up on menus nationwide. These singular drizzles can transform even the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly made our list but still deserve a shout-out include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, reminiscent of a golden snow flurry when dusted on pizzas
- Pickled fruits, with a particular nod towards stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for added texture, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, like cultured or compound herb butters, adding richness
Whether one favors classic tastes or is eager to explore daring new flavor pairings, pizza remains an endlessly versatile and adored food. At CloudVerge., we respect the classics while also championing culinary progress—evidenced by our offering both standard Margherita and trailblazing pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite mix you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments section or during your next visit!