Each year, the pizza industry witnesses fresh gastronomic fads, and 2023 is no different. At CedarStonepk, we stay abreast of the flavors enticing pizza aficionados globally. Here's our curated list of the top pizza toppings that have been a sensation this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has made its mark on pizza menus, with fermented veggies emerging as a top choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their intriguing sour notes that pair beautifully with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. Not only do these toppings boast probiotic qualities, but they also add a novel textural experience to classic pies.
Our novel Fermentation Festivity pie boasts an in-house blend of sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final touch of locally sourced honey to soften the sharp flavors. This unique mix may seem odd, but it's swiftly becoming a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond traditional veggies, the advent of plant-based proteins offers choices that manage to win over even staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now a staple on our menu. These proteins are chosen not just by vegetarians but by many patrons for their distinct tastes and healthier digestive benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who adore a bit of spice, 2023 has seen a preference for specialty regional chili varieties over general red pepper flakes. Although Calabrian chilies have continued to be favorites, other types such as Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, the fruit-like aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are appearing atop pizzas.
Our Spice Tour pizza spotlights a blend of four distinctive regional chilies, each lending its particular taste to different sections of the pizza, making for a zesty journey popular with our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What started as the farm-to-table movement has burgeoned into forest-to-pizza with the rise of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leaders in this trend are wild mushrooms, with types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing pizzas during their peak seasons.
We've also included ingredients like spring ramps (wild onions), oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips that lend a distinctive aromatic element. These wild ingredients forge a connection to nature while offering irreplicable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory provided by honey drizzles has become a staple, with 2023 showcasing a burst of specialty honey varieties used just before serving on pizzas.
Our pizzas may see toppings finished with truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enhanced honey. These final drizzles add a layer of sophistication, transforming simple pizzas into deluxe creations.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that didn't quite make our top five but are nonetheless impactful:
- Cured egg yolk shavings, lending a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, notably summer stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, like crisped farro or burst sorghum, for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you're someone who cherishes time-honored recipes or someone inclined to explore bold new flavors, pizza remains one of the globe's most versatile and cherished dishes. At CedarStonepk, we pay homage to tradition while also embracing modern innovation—that's why our menu features both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde artisan pies.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings yet? Or perhaps there's a distinctive topping combination you'd enjoy on our menu? We welcome your suggestions in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!