Each year, pizza enthusiasts are enticed with new topping trends, and the year 2023 has brought its own set of delectable surprises. At CozyCraftMarket, we keep a pulse on the preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's a curated list of this year's top pizza toppings that are currently all the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has influenced pizza offerings, with fermented veggies emerging as popular choices. The zesty flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a complex taste that pairs well with creamy cheese and sauce, introducing not just probiotic benefits but also adding an exciting new textural play to classic pizzas.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie boasts an in-house preparation of sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, perfected with a honey infusion sourced locally to soften the sharpness. This novel blend is rapidly ascending our list of sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The wave of plant-based diets is surging onwards, leading to an upswing in the request for pizza toppings crafted from innovative meat substitutes. Rather than standard veggie toppings, we're talking about plant-based protein innovations that have won the hearts of even the most ardent carnivores.
Options like Italian sausage made from plants, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pepperoni from pea protein have found a permanent home on our menu. These reinvented proteins appeal to more than just vegetarians; a diverse range of our clientele opts for them due to their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor fiery pizzas are finding joy in distinctive chili varieties from specific regions, moving past the generic crushed red pepper. The long-loved Calabrian chilies continue to be a fan favorite, but now we're experiencing a welcome addition of diverse flavors including the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang.
Our International Scorch pizza marries four different types of regional chilies, assigning each to a quadrant, presenting a piquant world tour that has been especially well-received by our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from forest to pizza has been forged, thanks to increasing recognition of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, have been particularly prominent, gracing pizzas in their respective growing seasons.
Alongside these fungi, we've also incorporated spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips into our offerings. These foraged delights provide a connection to nature and offer flavors that cultivated alternatives cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Specialty honeys are not just maintaining their foothold—they're creating a buzz. The success of spicy honey has paved the way for a variety of nuanced honey drizzles that are applied to pizzas right before serving.
Exotic varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey have been making their presence known. An intriguing addition that some shops present is honey infused with CBD, all adding a layer of sophistication that transforms a humble pie into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
While the following toppings did not make it to our top five, they deserve a shoutout for their growing popularity:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich dusting
- Pickled fruits, with a particular nod to stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grains that add crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, including cultured or compound butter with herbs
Whether you're a purist who stands by time-honored classics or a trendsetter eager for innovative flavors, pizza remains among the most versatile and endearing dishes globally. At CozyCraftMarket, we celebrate tradition and innovation alike, which is why our menu features both the iconic Margherita and our avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings yet? Or maybe you have your own unique mix you're hoping to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!