The realm of pizza continuously welcomes new gastronomic trends, and 2023 is ripe with innovation. At SavoryStream, we stay abreast with the flavors enchanting pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing gut health has introduced fermented vegetables to pizza menus, and they're tingling palates this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a piquant taste that perfectly balances the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings aren't just flavorful—they also serve up beneficial probiotics and introduce interesting textures to the pizza-eating experience.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, nicely offset with a swirl of locally-sourced honey. At first glance, it's an unconventional mix, but it's rapidly become a top choice for our specialty pizza enthusiasts.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, we've noticed a swell in popularity for pizzas adorned with inventive substitutes for meats. Our array goes beyond average vegetable toppings, offering plant-based proteins that delight even the most ardent carnivore.
The offerings on our menu now span plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, marinated pulled pork jackfruit, and pea protein variants of pepperoni. These alternatives attract a broad base, not only vegetarians, due to their distinct taste profiles and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who chase the thrill of spice are diving into a selection of distinct regional chiles instead of the generic crushed chili flakes. While the Calabrian chiles have held their ground, we've added smoky Spanish ñora chiles, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang, gaining popularity with pizza lovers.
Try our International Spice pizza that celebrates a combination of four different regional chiles, each section of the pizza introducing a unique flavor profile. It's an exciting option that's earned favor with our daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Local wild edibles have made their way from forests and fields directly to pizza, as foraged ingredients see a surge in demand. Wild mushrooms, especially chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are sought after according to their seasonal availability.
We're also incorporating wild ramps (wild garlic), sea vegetables such as dulse, nori, and even spruce tips, offering an inimitable aromatic element. These wild-sourced components not only impart unusual flavors, they forge a connection between our customers and the wilderness around us.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
A well-loved blend of sweetness with savory notes, the use of honey on pizzas is a trend here to stay. Expanding on the success of hot honey, the year 2023 introduces a variety of specialty honey drizzles applied to pizzas just before they're served.
We have an array including truffle honey, garlic-fermented honey, smokey mesquite honey, and exotic varieties such as CBD-laced honey. These artisan honey drizzles add depth and can transform even a simple pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Several other ingredients narrowly missed inclusion in our top five but are nonetheless creating interest:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for an indulgent finish
- Preserved fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums standing out
- Ancient grains for added crunch, including crispy farro and satisfying pops of sorghum
- Gourmet butter dollops, particularly those that are cultured or compounded with herbs
No matter if you prefer timeless classics or are eager to explore innovative flavor pairings, pizza remains a universally beloved and infinitely versatile dish. At SavoryStream, we honor age-old traditions while charting new culinary paths—hence why our menu proudly offers both the classic Margherita and avant-garde pizzas alike.
Have you explored any of these trending toppings yet? Perhaps you have a unique favorite of your own you wish we’d try? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!