Each year introduces new flavors into the pizza-making scene, and 2023 has its own set of trends. At MeadowLumenPark, our team is constantly tracking the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our list of the top pizza toppings that are trending this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastric health has made its mark on pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as a top choice for pizza toppings this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with rich, tangy flavors that perfectly pair with classic cheese and tomato sauce. Not only aiding digestion with probiotic perks, these fermented options add a wave of new textures to pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and Gorgonzola cheese, and a drizzle of local honey to soften the sourness. Although it might seem like an unconventional combination, it's becoming a favorite among our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of plant-based diets has not waned, allowing for an upsurge in plant-derived protein toppings on pizzas. Beyond typical veggies, the innovation in plant-based protein has brought forth alternatives that can please even staunch meat fans.
Items like plant-origin Italian sausage pieces, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have started to become staples on our menu. Enjoyed by more than just vegetarians, these proteins garner attention for their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love spice, 2023 is the year of favoring specific regional chilies over the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a staple, other chilies like Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also sprinkled onto pizzas.
The Global Heatwave pizza at our restaurant showcases a blend of these various chilies, providing a unique flavor experience in each quadrant of the pie. It's a hit with customers who enjoy a bit of culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Additions
The concept of farm-to-table has spread to include wild ingredients, thanks to foraged toppings now gracing pizzas. Leading the charge are various wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured during their natural growing seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, our culinary experiments have led to incorporating spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and kelp, and even spruce tips to impart a distinctive aromatic touch. These foraged components not only tantalize the palate but also forge a connection with the untouched wilderness.
5. Unique Honey Drizzles
The affinity for drizzling honey on pizza to create a sweet and savory balance has grown beyond a fleeting fad. 2023 is showcasing a surge in specialty honey varieties used as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Infusions like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even cannabidiol (CBD)-enhanced honey are making their way into pizzerias nationwide. These specialty drizzles lend a layer of sophistication, transforming even the simplest pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
A few other standout toppings that didn't make our main list but are still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza in a shower of golden zest
- Pickled fruits, with a penchant for stone fruits such as apricots and plums
- Ancient grains for crunch, like toasted farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet butter blobs, featuring cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether you lean towards the timeless classics or are eager to try innovative topping blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes across the globe. At MeadowLumenPark, we celebrate the old-school ways while welcoming the new, which is why our menu sports both traditional Margheritas and avant-garde creations.
Have you tried any of these top toppings trends? Or do you have a special topping combo in mind that you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our place!