Each new year ushers in a series of culinary waves throughout the realm of pizza, with 2023 not lagging behind. At Crust & Dream Pizzeria, our commitment sits with pinpointing the dining preferences captivating pizza aficionados internationally. We present to you our curation of the most compelling and sought-after pizza toppings that have surged in popularity this annum.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health garners increased attention, it's no surprise that fermented vegetables have made their mark on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are now regulars, infusing pizzas with a savory acidity that offsets the creamy heaviness of traditional cheeses and sauces. Such toppings deliver gut-friendly probiotics along with a new layer of textural intrigue.
To celebrate this trend, our new Gut Health Fiesta pizza incorporates in-house sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola cheese, all perfectly countered by a drizzle of regional honey. This blend might seem unorthodox at first, but it has swiftly turned into one of our highly-demanded signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift toward plant-centric diets has not lost momentum, resulting in a heightened interest in pizza that showcases inventive non-meat toppings. Diverging from routine veggie toppings, advancements in plant-derived proteins have provided alternatives even for the ardent carnivores.
At our establishment, you'll now find menu items adorned with plant-based Italian sausage pieces, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni. These alternatives entice not only vegetarians but also our patrons eager for diverse flavors coupled with a less taxing effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with an affinity for spice are celebrating in 2023, as pizza lovers gravitate towards distinguished chilies from various regions rather than settling for the customary red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be a firm favorite, however, we're now noticing the emergence of Aleppo pepper, smoldering Spanish ñora chilies, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang atop our pizzas.
Our International Zest pizza curates a selection of four distinctive regional chilies, assigning a distinct zing to each quarter of the pizza. This offering is particularly popular among our daring customers looking for a fiery dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between foraged finds and pizza grows ever stronger with the rise in popularity of ingredients plucked from nature's pantry. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which make frequent appearances on our menu corresponding with their peak seasons.
We haven't stopped at mushrooms; our trials have included seasonal ramps (wild leeks), sea botanicals like dulse and nori, and even pine tips, which impart a singular fragrant character. These components offer diners a taste of the untamed wilderness, bringing forth flavors that cultivated counterparts simply cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The balance struck by honey between sweetness and savoriness has truly found a foothold, extending beyond the fleeting fad stage. Riding on the coattails of spicy honey's success in recent years, we now see a variety of exquisite honeys making their way onto pizzas as a finishing touch just prior to serving.
Thrilling varieties such as truffle-infused honey, honey with aged garlic, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey enriched with CBD are being spotted more frequently on our country's menus. These sophisticated drizzles lend a layer of depth and transform plain pizzas into high-end fare.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings nearly making our top five but are nonetheless causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza resembling delicate flakes
- Pickled stone fruits, particularly peaches and plums
- Ancient grain accents, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter variations (both cultured and herbed compounds)
Whether your preference lies with the time-honored classics or your palate leans towards the intrepid edge of flavor combinations, pizza continues to showcase its unparalleled adaptability and universal adoration. At Crust & Dream Pizzeria, we pay homage to enduring traditions while also celebrating culinary progress—thus, both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde specialties take pride of place on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings yet? Or maybe you have a personal topping preference you'd wish to see on offer? Share your thoughts in the commentary below or on your next visit!