With each new year, pizza's culinary landscape sees novel trends, and 2023 keeps up the tradition. At NourishCenter, we keep a close eye on the latest pizza toppings that are taking the culinary world by storm. Allow us to present a list of the top pizza toppings that are making a splash in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has taken center stage, and pizzerias are not far behind, with fermented vegetables turning out to be a hit topping choice this year. The complex flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a tangy punch that complements the creamy cheese and rich sauces. Not only do these fermented additions bring probiotic advantages, but they also introduce an intriguing new texture to classic pizzas.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pie boasts a blend of homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped with a touch of local honey to soften the sharp flavors. While it may seem unconventional, this pizza is quickly becoming a highly demanded item on our specialty menu.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the trend toward plant-based diets forges on, there's been a noticeable increase in demand for innovative meat-free toppings. Moving past conventional vegetable options, a variety of plant-based meat alternatives have taken the stage, winning over even the most devout carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as an alternative for pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni are now staples on our pizza roster. These plant proteins aren't exclusively appealing to vegetarians; our patrons enjoy them for their distinct tastes and a gentler feeling post-meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those seeking a kick of heat, pizza aficionados are now choosing specific regional chilies over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have kept their popularity, we're seeing a trend of specific peppers like smoky ñoras from Spain, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang spread on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza introduces a mix of four diverse regional chilies, adding distinctive flavors to each segment of the pie. It's a culinary journey through spiciness that's been particularly well-received by our daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing movement has inspired a take on seasonal foraged ingredients on pizza. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods make their way onto pizzas in their respective seasons.
We're also exploring with early spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic flavors from seaweeds like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic essence. These wild-crafted toppings bring a connective experience to nature and offer irreplicable flavors compared to commercially grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to create an appealing savory-sweet contrast has secured its spot as more than a fleeting fad. Following the buzz around spicy honey in previous years, 2023 introduces a variety of special honey drizzles applied to pizzas just before they're served.
Variants including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD are making their way onto pizza menus around the nation. These finishing touches add sophistication and can lift the flavor profile of even the simplest pizza to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
There are also other toppings that narrowly missed making it into our top five list but are nonetheless creating a stir:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over pies, resembling a shower of golden flakes
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Heritage grain toppings, adding crunch with crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, using cultured or mixed herb variations for flavor
Whether you're someone who stands by traditional toppings or you're open to sampling innovative flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally loved foods. At NourishCenter, we honor time-tested recipes and welcome new culinary creations, as shown by our selection ranging from the classic Margherita to boundary-pushing, contemporary pies.
Have you experienced any of these top-tier toppings yet, or is there a special combination you'd like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our location!