Each new year introduces fresh pizza topping fads, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Dreamery, we're keenly observing the flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. We've compiled a list of this year's most innovative and highly demanded pizza toppings for your enjoyment.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a priority, fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a layered tartness that pairs well with the creamy taste of cheese and sauce. These toppings don't just offer probiotic perks but also add new textural layers to classic pizzas.
Our signature Fermentation Festivity pizza includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped off with a sweet local honey drizzle to counteract the sourness. This combo may seem atypical, but it has rapidly become one of our most-sought-after speciality pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-centric diets has sparked a surge in plant-based protein toppings on pizzas, moving beyond your average veggies. Cutting-edge meat substitutes are introducing selections that even the most ardent carnivores are finding satisfying.
Options like vegan Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni have found a home on our menu. These alternative proteins are popular not just among vegetarians but also with guests interested in their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those seeking heat are in luck; pizza lovers in 2023 have been gravitating toward niche chili varieties instead of the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a fan favorite, other varieties such as Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also becoming pizza staples.
The Worldwide Spice pizza at our eatery is a blend of these four different chilies, assigning unique flavor profiles to distinct sections of the pizza. This fiery offering has proven to be particularly popular among our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Wild ingredients handpicked from nature are becoming a hit, with the forest-to-pizza idea taking off thanks to the farm-to-table ethos. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which surface as toppings according to the season.
We're also incorporating wild ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild-crafted toppings connect patrons to nature while offering flavors that can't be found in farm-produced ingredients.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness with savory notes is now a staple technique, enhancing far beyond a fleeting craze. 2023 has seen a burst in the variety of honey, such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-enriched honey becoming a finishing flourish on pizzas.
These exceptional honeys contribute to the depth of flavor and can turn straightforward pizza recipes into refined culinary creations.
Honorable Mentions
A selection of additional toppings that nearly made our list but are certainly causing a stir:
- Confit egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich finish
- Preserved fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter spots, particularly those infused with culture or blended with herbs
Whether your preference leans towards timeless classics or you're inclined to explore bold new flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At Crust & Dreamery, we respect the time-honored traditions while also celebrating innovative creations—that's why you will find both staple Margheritas alongside avant-garde specialty pizzas on our roster.
Have you experienced any of these trendsetting toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive topping pairing you'd like to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know on your next visit!