As the calendar turns, pizza lovers witness the emergence of new toppings trends, and 2023 is no different. At HarvestPlum, we stay on top of what's captivating the palates of enthusiasts all over. Here's a list of the most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings that have gained popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has carved its niche in pizza trends, with fermented vegetables taking the forefront. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bestowing complex sour flavors that wonderfully offset the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings not only come with the perk of probiotics but also add an intriguing new texture to conventional pizzas.
Featured on our menu is the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a drizzle of local honey to counteract the sourness. Though it may sound atypical, it's fast transforming into one of our in-demand signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets has led to increased demand for pizzas decorated with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie toppings, the advent of new plant-based proteins has presented alternatives that can even satisfy the ardent carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage morsels, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni enhance our menu. These choices attract not only vegetarians but also patrons who are keen on their distinct tastes and digestive benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those looking for heat can celebrate, as pizza aficionados are now choosing specific regional chili types over generic pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, but now, chilies like the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are gracing pizzas.
Our International Inferno pizza is a spicy exploration, with four unique varieties of regional chilies spread across the pizza, each quadrant offering a distinctive flavor experience. This has been particularly well-received by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from woodland to pizza has become stronger with foraged ingredients gaining popularity. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up in their season.
We have also been incorporating other foraged items such as wild ramps, marine greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips into our pizzas. These natural ingredients provide flavors that are hard to find in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought on by honey has proven to be a lasting trend. This year has seen a burst of unique honey varieties that are used as a final garnish on pizzas.
Honeys such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have been making their way onto menus nationwide. These honeys are not just finishing touches but act as flavor enhancers turning simple pies into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that didn't quite make the top five yet are still notable include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a touch of luxury
- Pickled fruits adding a tangy twist, like peaches and plums
- Textured toppings using heritage grains, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet dollops of artisanal butter varieties such as cultured or infused with herbs
Whether you're a purist or someone open to exploring inventive flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At HarvestPlum, we respect the old while ushering in the new, reflecting in our menu that offers both timeless Margherita and progressive specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps there's an unusual topping mix you'd want us to try? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!