The pizza landscape is ever-changing, and with the arrival of 2023, new gustatory inclinations are shaping the pizza market. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, keeping an eye on top picks for pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. Here's a look at the toppings that are currently all the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastric wellness has entered the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite topping this year. Things like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing complex acidic notes that balance out the pizza's creamy cheese and savory sauce. They're not just tasty - they offer probiotic advantages and add an exciting new aspect of texture to pizza.
Our Fermentation Fest pie is a crowd-pleaser with its in-house sauerkraut and kimchi topped with gorgonzola and a drizzle of locally sourced honey to cut through the acidity. It might be an unconventional mix, but it's quickly climbed our list of top orders.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise in plant-based diets has translated into a heightened demand for pizzas topped with inventive alternatives to meat. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based protein have led to satisfying meat-like options.
We offer plant-based Italian sausage bits, spicy tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a pork substitute, and pea protein-based pepperoni slices. They're not just for herbivores; plenty of our patrons pick these for their distinctive tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor heat, this year is all about embracing peculiar regional chili flavors instead of the usual crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies are still going strong, and we now see varieties like Aleppo pepper, smokey ñora from Spain, Peruvian aji amarillo with its fruity hints, and Korean gochujang popping up on pies.
Our International Heat pizza presents a selection of four different chilies from around the world, with each type imparting a distinct flavor to every quarter of the pie. It's a gustatory exploration that's found particular favor among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from wilderness to pizza is growing stronger through the increased use of seasonally foraged items. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each featured during their specific seasons.
We've also been using early spring ramps (wild onions), oceanic greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to lend a distinct aromatic presence. These ingredients offer a taste of nature and impart unique flavors you won't find in commercially grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has created a niche for itself as a go-to pizza topping, thanks to the perfect contrast it creates with savory elements. 2023 has welcomed an array of specialty honeys that are drizzled over pizza just before it's served.
Varieties like truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, a smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey are gracing menus. These drizzles bring a sophisticated touch and turn even the simplest pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings that are close behind our top picks include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, creating a velvety layer
- Quick-pickled stone fruits such as cherries and apricots
- Whole grains, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum, for added crunch
- Specially crafted butters, such as those imbued with fine herbs or produced through culturing techniques
Whether you stick to time-honored classics or are game for the latest bold flavors, pizza's adaptability makes it a universally cherished dish. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we pay homage to tradition while welcoming fresh takes—that's why our menu features both the venerable Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or perhaps there's a unique combo you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comment section or drop us a line next time you're in!