Each new year ushers in fresh pizza topping trends that capture the imaginations of foodies worldwide, and 2023 follows suit. At Crust & Joy Pizzeria, keeping a pulse on the global pizza palate is our business. We present to you the latest and most appealing toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains more awareness, pizzerias are joining in with a rise in fermented vegetables featured on their offerings. Ferments like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a tangy complexity to the classic pizza profile, all while providing probiotic advantages and a novel textural aspect.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of local honey to soften the sharp tastes. It may seem unconventional, yet it's swiftly climbing the charts as a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the wave of plant-centric diets swells, the appetite for meat alternatives on pizza has followed suit. Venturing beyond the standard garden fare, breakthroughs in plant proteins bring varieties that even traditional carnivores savor.
Options such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are proudly served on our menu. These innovative proteins aren't just for herbivores; many patrons select them for their distinct tastes and healthful benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating as 2023 champions the use of specific regional chili peppers over the ubiquitous red pepper flake. While Calabrian chilies continue their reign, peppers like Aleppo, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gaining traction.
Our International Zest pizza tosses together a diverse mix of these chilies, each quadrant satisfying a taste for a different type of heat. It's become a hit with those with an appetite for culinary thrill.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The embrace of wild ingredients brings the bounty of foraging straight to the pizza stone. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including sought-after types like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing our pies in sync with their natural picking seasons.
We're also inviting the taste of the wild with spring ramps, marine greens such as dulse and nori, and the piney scent of spruce tips. These earthy elements offer an unforgettable encounter with nature's pantry and convey flavors far beyond cultivated counterparts.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey with savory ingredients has become deeply embedded in pizza culture. This year, we've surged beyond the beloved spicy honey to a variety of specialty honeys adorning our pizzas just before they're served.
Enthusiasts can now taste the difference with truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey, turning even a simple pie into a sophisticated delight.
Honorable Mentions
While these toppings didn't make the primary list, they deserve a shoutout for their impact on the scene:
- Cured egg yolks, grate like a dusting of golden snow over the pizza
- Pickled fruits, with a notable nod to stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grains, introducing textures like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, whether cultured or infused with herbs
No matter if you're someone who treasures the timeless charm of a classic pie or a culinary explorer eager for novel tastes, pizza remains an endlessly customizable and treasured dish. At Crust & Joy Pizzeria, we honor time-honored recipes and pioneering fusions alike, reflected in our menu that spans from the fundamental Margherita to audacious signature pizzas.
Have you given any of these top trends a taste? Or maybe there's an extraordinary combination you'd want us to craft? Share your thoughts below or on your next visit!