As the new year unfolds, the pizza realm is once again revolutionized by emerging gastronomic fashions, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, our team constantly scans the horizon for flavors that captivate pizza enthusiasts globally. We're excited to share our compilation of the top pizza toppings that are currently taking the culinary world by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The march of gut health into the domain of pizza has crowned fermented vegetables an unexpected star. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions infuse a rich tapestry of sour notes that beautifully offset the creamy cheese and tomato sauce's lushness. These toppings don't just enhance flavors; they also serve up a dose of probiotics and introduce new, intriguing textural elements to a traditional slice.
The Fermentation Festivity pizza, a new addition, showcases our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, crowned with a sweet cascade of local honey to tame the sharp flavors. It may seem unconventional, but it's soaring to the top as one of our most sought-after gourmet options.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has prompted a prominent increase in pizza varieties adorned with inventive vegan meat substitutes. Moving beyond garden-variety veggies, these plant-based proteins offer a dynamic selection that even the most ardent carnivores appreciate.
On our menu, vegan-friendly Italian sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples. These aren't just for the herbivores—these proteins are picked for their distinctive tastes and are easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a kick of spice, 2023 is the year pizza lovers are celebrating specific types of chilis instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue their streak of popularity, joined by the introduction of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Spice Route pizza is an invitation to a piquant journey with four distinctive chilis representing different global regions, each adding its singular spice profile. This pie has found a fan base among our more daredevil patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Delights
Continuing from the farm-to-table concept, the appeal of foraged seasonal offerings has made its way to pizzerias, with wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequently surfacing during their season.
In addition to mushrooms, our culinary explorations include wild ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and introduce irreplaceable flavors that can't be found in farm-grown counterparts.
5. Artisan Honey Infusions
The juxtaposition of sweet and savory that honey offers has definitely gone beyond a fleeting fad. Advancing past the already popular spicy honey, 2023 greets a plethora of specialty honey variations gracing pizzas just before they're served.
These gourmet drizzles encompass truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey fused with CBD. Each drizzle works to deepen the flavors, turning even the simplest pizza into a refined delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly made our top list but deserve recognition include:
- Delicately cured egg yolks, dusted atop pizzas like fine gold
- Pickled fruits, with a special nod to stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains with heritage, like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Artisanal butter varieties, like cultured or herbed, melted into hot slices
Whether your palette favors timeless classics or craves the thrill of exotic blends, pizza retains its status as one of the most versatile and endearing dishes in the world. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we pay homage to time-honored methods while also adopting the avant-garde—that's why our menu balances beloved Margherita with avant-garde creations.
Are there trending toppings you've sampled recently? Or perhaps you have a novel topping combo you'd love us to introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!