As we venture into 2023, the pizza industry continues to be influenced by novel gastronomic fads. At StoneCliff, keeping an eye on the global pizza palette is our specialty. This year, we've gathered an exciting list of pizza toppings that have taken the culinary scene by storm.
1. Fermented Veggies
Pizza has started embracing the gut-friendly phenomenon with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected topping favorite in the current year. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are infusing pizzas with an intricate, zesty zestiness, balancing out the customary richness of cheese and sauce. These toppings do not only pack a probiotic punch but also add a novel touch of texture to time-honored pizza profiles.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our shop combines in-house sauerkraut, house-prepped kimchi, and blue cheese, all tied together with a splash of artisan honey, mitigating the acidity. This mix may seem unconventional, yet it's swiftly ascending our list of fan-favorite custom pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Meats
The surge of plant-based diets has led to an uptick in plant-based meat alternatives gracing our pizzas. Vegetables have been joined by innovative protein substitutions, captivating even the most devout carnivores.
Items such as vegan sausage bits, herbed tempeh, jackfruit-based “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni” have been integrated into our pizza offerings. These aren't exclusively for herbivores; numerous patrons are selecting them for their distinct taste profiles and less heavy impression on the stomach.
3. Specialty Chilis
2023 cheers the heat lovers, as aficionados of spice have begun favoring specific regional chili types over the basic red pepper flake. While Calabrian chilies stay renowned, newcomers on the scene include the aromatic Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and the spicy gochujang from Korea.
Available at our pizzeria, the Global Heat pizza serves a combination of these disparate regional chilies, each lending its distinct spiciness to the pie. It's become a favored selection among patrons eager for a gastronomical thrill.
4. Wild-Crafted Add-Ons
Foraged additions have migrated from the woods to pizzas, as wild, season-dependent ingredients rise in demand. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with sought-after kinds like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing our pizzas in alignment with the seasons.
Other wild ingredients we have dabbled with include spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even coniferous spruce tips for their distinctive scent. These components offer a unique connection to nature and a taste experience that cannot be replicated by farmed goods.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to balance savory flavors has solidified its presence on pizzas, with 2023 witnessing a surge in gourmet honey varieties being sparingly applied atop pizzas prior to serving.
Options such as truffle-infused honey, garlic honey aged through fermentation, honey imbued with a mesquite smoke, and honey enhanced with CBD have surfaced on pizzeria menus nationwide. These dressings are introducing a gourmet touch, transforming even simple pizza recipes into luxurious fare.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings nearly making our leading five but certainly worth mentioning include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a velvety dusting
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits like apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain accoutrements, such as crunchy spelt or puffed amaranth for added crunch
- Specialty butter globs, especially types cultivated for taste or blended with herbs
Whether your preference leans towards timeless classics or your palate craves novelty, pizza remains the global go-to for its versatility and widespread appeal. At StoneCliff, we salute age-old traditions as we welcome innovative twists—that's why you'll spot both the iconic Margherita and groundbreaking gourmet creations on our list.
Have these topping trends piqued your interest, or is there a particular fusion you're keen to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!