Each year presents fresh gastronomical trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is no different. At Slices & Spices Pizzeria, we're on the forefront, tracking trending flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our curated list of pizza toppings that are currently on top this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on gastrointestinal wellness has penetrated the pizza industry, where fermented vegetables have become a top choice on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a savory zest that balance out the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings aren't just tasty—they add probiotic health benefits and a burst of new textures to a traditional pizza.
The Fermentation Festival pizza is our new creation; it boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all unified with a touch of local honey to soften the sharpness. This mix may be unconventional, but it's fast becoming one of our flagship specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more consumers shift towards plant-based diets, there's been a surge in demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. These aren't just your typical veggie toppings; cutting-edge plant-based proteins are offering options that even ardent carnivores can appreciate.
You'll find items like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, marinated seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni as staples on our menu. These toppings are a hit not only with vegetarians, but also those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a dash of heat, 2023 has witnessed a trend towards embracing specific regional chili varieties over generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have retained their standing, this year has introduced the likes of smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang to pizza enthusiasts.
The Global Heat pizza is an amalgamation of four distinct regional chilies, with each kind lending its signature flavor profile to different sections of the pizza. This fiery journey is particularly popular among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-to-table is the new movement, with seasonal foraged ingredients becoming quite popular. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that crop up during their seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we're experimenting with seasonal delicacies like wild ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild-harvested ingredients forge a connection with nature, delivering unparalleled flavors that are unachievable with cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has established itself as a mainstay for creating a sweet and savory fusion on pizzas. Expanding on the hot honey trend, 2023 has introduced a variety of specialty honeys as the final flourish on pizzas.
Expect to taste truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey as part of the culinary repertoire. These honeys add layered complexities that elevate even the simplest pizzas to artisanal experiences.
Honorable Mentions
While these toppings didn't make the top five, they are still making a statement:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas providing a savory dusting
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums standing out
- Grains with heritage, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for a crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, including cultured varieties and those mixed with herbs
Whether you're a purist who favors the timeless or an explorer eager for innovative flavors, pizza remains among the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Slices & Spices Pizzeria, we respect the classics while also embracing the new, which is why our menu features both the quintessential Margherita and pioneering specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings, or do you have a unique favorite that you'd like us to include? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!