Each new year unlocks fresh trends in the realm of pizza toppings, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Charisma Pizzeria, keeping an eye on what's delighting the palates of pizza enthusiasts worldwide is our passion. Here's our curated list of top pizza toppings that are the talk of 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on gut wellness is making its presence felt in pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a surprising favorite atop pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are offering savory acidity that beautifully balances out the creamy cheese and rich tomato base. These toppings aren't just about gut-friendly probiotics; they also add intriguing new textures to the classic pizza base.
Try our Probiotic Party pizza for a taste of in-house fermented sauerkraut, tangy kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola cheese, lightly drizzled with local artisanal honey to contrast the sour notes. This combination may initially seem peculiar, but it has fast become a top-requested pizza at our establishment.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-based diet gains steam, so rises the demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Looking beyond standard veggie toppings, recent advances in plant-based protein have brought forth alternatives that even the most ardent carnivores enjoy.
We’re now offering toppings like plant-based Italian sausage chunks, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein assembled to replicate pepperoni. These innovative proteins appeal to more than just vegans—they’re chosen for their distinctive taste profiles and their more manageable digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Avid heat lovers will be ecstatic as pizza aficionados in 2023 are choosing specific regional chili varieties over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, and now varieties like Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are taking the spotlight on our pizzas.
Feast on our Spice Trek pizza—a culinary journey featuring a blend of regional chilies, each imparting its distinctive spice profile to various parts of the pizza. This fiery indulgence has gained popularity amongst our clientele looking for a zesty dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The wave of seasonal foraged components taking the farm-to-table movement by storm has now reached the pizza sector. Top of the trend are wild mushrooms, with sought-after types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing our pizzas in their peak seasons.
We're not just about mushrooms, though. We've been introducing elements such as wild spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips, bringing a taste of the wilderness to our offerings. These special ingredients forage a connection with the wild and present flavors that are simply unattainable in mass-produced crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating the perfect sweet and savory balance on pizza has carved itself a permanent niche. Building on the hot honey trend of recent years, there's an emergence of unique honeys being drizzled on pizzas in 2023 just before serving.
Exotic varieties such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-laced honey are enhancing pizza recipes nationwide. These drizzles contribute depth and transform even the simplest pizza into a culinary masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions
A handful of additional toppings that narrowly missed our top five yet are still captivating the pizza scene include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a cascade of golden flavor
- Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Whole-grain garnishes, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, adding an element of texture
- Gourmet butter dollops, particularly those cultured or mixed with aromatic herbs
Whether you're one to stick to traditional flavors or someone who dares to explore uncharted tastes, pizza remains among the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Charisma Pizzeria, we pay homage to the classics while also diving into new culinary ventures—that's why our menu boasts both timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty creations.
Have you sampled any of these innovative toppings yet? Or maybe you have a distinct blend in mind that you'd like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!