Each year new culinary tendencies emerge in the realm of pizza, and the year 2023 has definitely served up some delightful surprises. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we keep a close watch on the pizza topping trends that are stealing the hearts of pizza aficionados globally. Take a glimpse at our curated list of the top pizza toppings that have made a splash in this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has found its way onto pizza menus with fermented veggies turning into an unexpected favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with complex, piquant flavors that offset the creamy weight of cheese and sauce. Besides offering probiotic perks, these toppings introduce a novel textural aspect to classic pizzas.
The innovative Gut Health Feast pizza showcases in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and creamy gorgonzola cheese, with a finish of local honey to mitigate the sourness. It may seem unconventional, but it's swiftly risen to be one of the most sought-after choices among our unique specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets continue to soar in favor, there’s been a notable uptick in the request for pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substituents. Vegetables are no longer the only plant-based option, thanks to advancements in plant-based protein development offering choices that even avid carnivores enjoy.
Vegan Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These alternatives are chosen not solely by vegetarians but by numerous regular customers for their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is the year for those who favor a bit of kick to their pizza to rejoice, as pizza lovers are opting for particular chilies from different regions over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have remained well-liked as in prior years, other varieties like Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo, and zesty Korean gochujang are emerging on pizzas.
The Spicy Globe Tour pizza offers a variety of four distinctive regional chilies, each imparting distinct flavors to separate sections of the pizza. It's been an especially hit among our clientele who enjoy a bold and fiery dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of wild foraged ingredients from forests making their way onto pizzas is a natural progression from the farm-to-table movement. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each making their appearance during their natural growing seasons.
Aside from mushrooms, we've been trialing with wild ramps, coastal greens including dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a distinctive aroma. These naturally sourced components forge a connection to the wild while delivering unparalleled flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweetness and savoriness lent by honey has secured its position as a lasting favorite. Following the triumphant run of spicy honey, special honey variations like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and distinctively flavored mesquite honey have exploded onto the scene, gracing pizzas prior to serving.
These exclusive drizzles are more than just an afterthought - they're ingredients that add a sophisticated layer of complexity, lifting even the simplest of pizzas to gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn't quite make our top list but are still creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately shaved over pizzas for a lush effect
- Quick-pickled stone fruit varieties such as peaches and plums
- Crisp heritage grains like farro or popping sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter additions (like cultured or blended herb butters)
No matter if you're an enthusiast of timeless classics or someone eager to sample innovative edible pairings, pizza maintains its status as one of the most universally cherished and adaptable dishes. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, honoring culinary heritage while championing innovation is our philosophy—thus both the quintessential Margherita and the newest avant-garde pizzas find a place on our menu.
Have any of these trendsetting toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a distinct combination you've been dreaming of? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share them with us during your next visit!