As the calendar turns, pizza trends evolve, and the year 2023 brings with it new flavors topping the charts. At Crust & Gusto Pizzeria, we keenly observe what flavors are striking a chord with pizza aficionados worldwide. We've collected the most sensational and widely enjoyed pizza toppings that have emerged this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastronomic culture's emphasis on digestive wellness has introduced the unexpected star ingredient to pizza: fermented vegetables. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute a sophisticated sour zing that enriches the melty cheese and savory sauce base. These fermented delights not only add a healthful probiotic boost but also bring novel textural elements to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fest pizza, a new menu item, is graced with our in-house sauerkraut and kimchi alongside gorgonzola cheese, all topped off with a local honey drizzle to soften the sour notes. Despite how out-of-the-ordinary it may seem, it's risen to become one of our flagship pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The move towards plant-forward diets keeps on growing, reflected in the surge of interest for plant-based alternatives as pizza toppings. Moving beyond standard veggies, technological strides in plant protein tastes have brought forth options that could even sway the hearts of staunch carnivores.
Items like imitation plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in pulled pork style, and pea-protein pepperoni have become staples in our offering. These toppings are favored not only by vegetarians but also by those who prefer their flavors and reduced digestive load.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of spice, 2023 has embraced the use of distinct regional chili types over the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be beloved, we now find Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang sauce adorning pies.
The International Heat pizza offers a tour of four different regional chilies, with each contributing its particular taste to separate segments of the pie. It's become a hit with our clientele who favor bolder flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The call for locally sourced ingredients has now extended from the farms to the wild with foraged seasonal components gaining traction on pizza menus. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, featuring varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their prime seasons.
Aside from mushrooms, we've been experimenting with wild ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that offer a special aromatic flair. These foraged goods connect our customers to nature and provide irreplicable tastes that commercial cultivation can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The juxtaposition of sweet honey with savory toppings has become a mainstay far beyond a fleeting fad. In 2023, the use of diverse honey types as a finishing drizzle on pizzas has proliferated.
Unique infusions such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are cropping up on menus far and wide. These drizzles provide a sophisticated flare, uplifting even the simplest pies to the realms of gourmet.
Honorable Mentions
Some other intriguing toppings just outside our top list but gaining attention include:
- Snow-like grated cured egg yolks
- Pickled stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Textured heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dots of artisanal butter, including cultured or mixed with herbs
No matter if your preference lies with timeless classics or you're someone who delights in the adventure of novel pairings, pizza remains a beloved and infinitely customizable dish. At Crust & Gusto Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while eagerly exploring novel culinary ideas—that's why our menu features both the revered Margherita and the innovative specialty creations.
Have you had a taste of these trend-setting toppings? Or maybe there's an idiosyncratic combination you think we should try? Drop us your thoughts in the comments or when you pop by for a visit!