Each annual cycle introduces new trends to pizza connoisseurs, and 2023 is no different. At EquipoiseCommons, we're constantly keeping an eye on what's catching the attention of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our list of this year's top toppings that have left an impression.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a priority in pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming the latest hit on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions afford a complex zesty taste that enhances the velvety textures of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings enrich the pizza with good bacteria and introduce a thrilling new textural element to classic pizza styles.
On our menu, the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a splash of local honey to lessen the sourness, might initially appear unconventional, but it has swiftly become one of our top specialty requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has led to a notable increase in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutions. Moving beyond standard vegetable toppings, the newest offerings in plant-based proteins have made it possible to satisfy traditional meat aficionados.
Options like Italian sausage substitutes made from plants, flavored tempeh, jackfruit offering a pulled pork experience, and pepperoni from pea protein have become staples on our list. These proteins are selected not solely by vegetarians but also by clients for their distinct tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who prefer a bit of heat, 2023 has seen a shift towards specialized regional chili types over the more generic red pepper flakes. Though Calabrian chilies maintain their status from prior years, we're now seeing entries like Aleppo pepper, the smoldering Spanish ñora chilies, piquant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang grace our pizzas.
The International Spice pizza introduces an assortment of four unique regional chilies, with each lending its own distinct flavor profile to portions of the pizza. It's a bold culinary journey that's gained popularity with our guests who seek new experiences.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between wild produce and kitchens evolves further with the rise of foraged offerings, leading to pizzas crowned with seasonal forest discoveries. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, top the trend list, making an appearance in their harvest seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've been incorporating wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even the fragrant spruce tips for their aromatic properties. These foraged delights create an experience that encapsulates the flavor of the wilderness not replicable by traditional farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to provide a sweet contrast has become an enduring favorite. Building on the hot honey trend, 2023 introduces a new array of specialty honey variations that are drizzled atop pizzas just before they're served.
Truffle-flavored honey, garlic honey in a fermented form, bold mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are now making appearances in eateries nationwide. These garnishes lend sophistication and turn even the most simplistic pizza into a fine-dining experience.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings that narrowly missed making our top list but continue to make an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza creating a savory dusting
- Pickled fruits, specifically stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Ancient grains for added crunch, like crispy spelt or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter enhancements, such as cultured or herbed compound butters
No matter if you lean towards a perennial favorite or if the allure of unconventional blends calls to you, pizza stands as a globally revered and versatile dish. At EquipoiseCommons, we respect the timeless classics while also embracing the new—that's why you'll discover the iconic Margherita sharing our menu with avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these current topping trends? Or perhaps you have an exceptional topping combination you're keen to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our establishment!