Each new year introduces a fresh array of pizza topping trends to the world, and 2023 certainly doesn't fall short. Our team at CultureGrid stays up-to-date with the global preferences of pizza aficionados. Below is our compilation of the top-performing and thrilling toppings for this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have soared in popularity for pizzas, in line with the wider trend of gut health. They add a nuanced sourness that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Beyond their probiotic qualities, these toppings also bring new levels of texture to classic pizza styles.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes topped with our own fermented cabbage, spicy Korean kimchi, and pungent gorgonzola cheese, delicately sweetened with a hint of regional honey. This unique mix has rapidly turned into one of our most in-demand creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend towards plant-based dining persists, and the call for meat-free pizza toppings has surged accordingly. Taking a step up from traditional veggies, new developments in meatless proteins provide options that even the most dedicated carnivores can enjoy.
Alternatives on our menu include crumbled plant-derived Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit standing in for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni. These options aren't limited to vegetarians—they've appealed to many for their distinctive tastes and gentler digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of spice, 2023 has noted a shift towards embracing chilies of distinct regional origins rather than the common red pepper flake. While Calabrian chilies still enjoy their holdover appeal, we are now also seeing peppers like the Turkish Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, sweet-spicy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang take the stage on our pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza showcases a mix of four unique chilies from different locales, each lending their flavor signature to the quarters of the pizza, making it a fiery favorite among our daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients is branching from forest to pizza, with wild mushrooms at the forefront of this trend. Chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are among the fungi that appear during their seasons.
Additionally, we've been working with wild leeks in the spring, oceanic plants including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinct scent. These components link our customers to the wilderness offering unrivaled flavors that are not found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's capability to enhance savory dishes with a touch of sweetness has secured its spot beyond a simple fad. This year has welcomed a variety of special honey options that are drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Offerings on our menu include rich truffle honey, zesty fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and they've been a game changer, adding depth and transforming simple pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Not quite making the top five but still standing out are:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated across the pizza for a luxurious topping
- Acidic pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like apricots and nectarines
- Heritage grains, offering a crunch with roasted farro or popped sorghum
- Boutique butters, with options like cultured or herbed butters to add rich flavor
No matter if you're a purist who sticks to time-honored recipes or someone who's eager to explore novel flavor mixes, pizza remains a globally cherished and versatile dish. At CultureGrid, we pay homage to the originals while adopting modernity—our menu sports both beloved Margherita and inventive specialties.
Have any of these current toppings caught your taste? Or perhaps there's an exclusive blend you'd love to see us feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit to our place!