Each year introduces new flavors in the pizza sphere, and 2023 follows suit. At Crust & Crafts Pizzeria, we constantly explore flavors that resonate with pizza aficionados globally. Take a look at our list of the year's most buzzworthy and adored pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a focus, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a depth of tangy flavor, pairing well with the creamy textures of cheese and sauce. Not only do these toppings enhance probiotic intake, but they also infuse a novel complexity into the pizza's texture.
Our unique Fermentation Celebration pizza is a medley of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, crowned with a touch of local honey to temper the tang. This unconventional blend has quickly ascended to a fan-favorite specialty pie.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based dietary choices has led to a surge in demand for meat-free pizza toppings. Breaking beyond conventional veggie toppings, pioneering plant-based protein variants are now winning over even the staunchest meat devotees.
Our menu now frequently includes toppings like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni. These aren't just for those avoiding meat; many customers opt for them due to their distinctive tastes and their gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who like it hot, 2023 has brought a penchant for specific regional chili types over run-of-the-mill red pepper flakes. The fiery kick of Calabrian chilies remains a holdover from past years, with additions like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang pepper paste now dotted across pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza is a vibrant blend of four distinct regional chilies, delivering one-of-a-kind heat profiles to every slice. It's become a hit amongst our intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table initiative has branched out into a forest-to-pizza effort with the rising trend of seasonal foraged gem. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas during their natural growing periods.
Apart from mushrooms, we've dabbled with wild spring ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These elements draw pizza lovers closer to nature and provide irresistible flavors impossible to achieve through commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's distinct sweet-savory profile has proven to be more than a fleeting fad. Expanding on the hot honey trend of yesteryears, 2023 sees a proliferation of special honey variants gracing pizzas just before they're served.
Options on pizzas now include decadent truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD. These final drizzles contribute to the nuance and sophistication that upgrade even basic pizza formulas to the level of fine cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings didn't make our top list but deserve mention for their impact include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami experience
- Tangy pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums standing out
- Crunchy heritage grains such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Velvety artisanal butter dollops, particularly those enriched with culture or herbs
Whether you're a purist holding fast to time-honored classics or a trailblazer keen on experimental tastes, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and cherished cuisines. At Crust & Crafts Pizzeria, we value tradition while warmly welcoming the new—that's why our menu caters to both classic Margherita lovers and aficionados of innovative specialty pizzas.
Have these trending toppings caught your attention, or do you have a distinctive combination you wish we'd explore? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!