With each new year, we see emerging food tendencies in the realm of pizza, and 2023 has been no different. At PlateTableSlice, we keep a close watch on what delights pizza aficionados across the planet. Here’s our list of top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains focus, so do fermented vegetables, which have made a surprisingly successful crossover to the pizza world. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate zesty flavors that enhance cheese and sauce's creamy notes. Besides their probiotic merits, these toppings add a fresh layer of texture to classic pizza profiles.
Introducing our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all balanced out with a local honey drizzle. It may seem out of the ordinary, but it’s fast turning into one of our most in-demand signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets remains strong, and the surge in plant-inspired pizza toppings has been notable. Moving past basic vegetable options, the arrival of advanced plant-based proteins has allowed pizzas to appeal even to the staunchest carnivores.
Our menu now includes toppings like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These aren't solely for herbivores, as many customers pick them for their distinct taste profiles and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a spicy kick, 2023 is a year of exploration with specialized chilies from around the world gaining popularity over traditional red pepper flakes. We've seen Calabrian chilies continue their hot streak, but now Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang also grace our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza is a fiery mosaic of regional chilies, each adding its distinctive taste to the parts of the pizza. It’s been particularly well-received by our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as the farm-to-table moment has now wandered into the realm of pizza with foraged ingredients gaining prominence. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their growth cycles.
Apart from mushrooms, our culinary experiments have included wild ramps, ocean greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their fresh aromatic essence. These foraged items give diners an authentic connection to nature and tastes that can’t be replicated in a cultivated environment.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory, pioneered by honey, has proven its lasting appeal. This year has brought a diverse array of specialty honey options that are drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey are being introduced in eateries nationwide. These artisanal drizzles lend a layer of sophistication, turning even straightforward pizzas into gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that nearly made our list but are still creating interest include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely shaved over pizza offering a delicate umami experience
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as cherries and apricots
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, adding textural contrast
- Gourmet butter spots, notably those with cultured origins or mixed with fine herbs
Whether you’re a purist who honors time-honored combinations or a connoisseur eager to sample novel pairings, pizza continues to hold its place as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At PlateTableSlice, we respect the classics while welcoming new inventions—that’s why our offerings range from the quintessential Margherita to pioneering creations.
Have you sampled any of these trend-setting toppings? Or perhaps you have your own unique blend you'd like us to feature? Share with us in the comments, or the next occasion you dine with us!