Each year introduces fresh gastronomic fads in the realm of pizza, and 2023 continues this tradition. Here at PebbleNook, keeping abreast of what delights pizza aficionados worldwide is our business. We present a list of this year's most enthusiastic and favored pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to digestive wellness has carved a niche for fermented vegetables on pizza in this year's selections. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are supplying zesty and intricate flavors that enhance the creamy textures of cheese and tomato base. These toppings are more than just flavor enhancers, they come with the added benefit of probiotics and inject new textural layers into the classic pizza formula.
Our Fermentation Celebration pizza is adorned with sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese made in-house, then topped with a touch of local honey to sweeten the savory blend. It may seem an eccentric mix, but it has fast become one of the most popular requests among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, the appetite for meat-free pizza options has soared. We're going beyond the usual veggie toppings, offering groundbreaking plant-based proteins that can even win over ardent meat eaters.
Our menu now features plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, savory tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni. These toppings appeal not merely to vegetarians but are chosen for their distinct flavors and easier digestibility by a broad customer base.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those craving a spicy kick, 2023 has witnessed the embracement of specific chilies from various regions over generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies maintain their appeal, the inclusion of Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang is adding global spice profiles to pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is an aromatic compilation of four regional chilies, offering a quadrant of distinct spicy flavors. This fiery delight has found favor with our patrons who crave a walk on the wild culinary side.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The push for local sourcing has made a leap from the field to the pizza with the increasing popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which show up during their respective foraging seasons.
We're also employing wild ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even the distinct flavor of spruce tips, giving our diners a unique taste that can't be replicated by farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory achieved with honey has secured its place as a staple in pizza variations. The 2023 landscape saw a variety of unique honeys being applied to pizzas, such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey.
These exotic honey types serve as a final flourish to pizzas, transforming even simple concoctions into sophisticated and gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly made it to our top five but nonetheless are creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks grated finely over the pizza for a rich umami touch
- Stone fruits in pickled form, like peaches and plums offering a sweet contrast
- Whole grains for a crispy finish, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Spots of artisan butter, whether it be cultured or enhanced with herbs
No matter if you're someone who swears by time-honored toppings or you're open to experimenting with novel flavors, pizza remains one of the globe's most versatile and cherished dishes. At PebbleNook, we pay homage to established customs while pioneering new concepts, evident from the presence of both the traditional Margherita and innovative specialty pies on our menu.
Are there any of these trendy toppings you've tried and loved? Or perhaps there's a unique topping combination you'd like us to try out? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!