Each passing year introduces new flavors into the pizza scene, and 2023 has its own unique trends. At CentralInfoNetwork, we keep a keen eye on what's trending with pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are the talk of 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has spilled into the pizza sphere, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite topping this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a zesty taste that pairs well with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings don't just bring probiotic perks; they also add novel textural elements to classic pizza fare.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, touched off by a hint of locally-sourced honey to counterbalance the sharpness. It's an uncommon combination, yet it's rising fast as a go-to order for our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The plant-based food trend is gaining steam, and with it comes a surge in appetites for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie toppings, new developments in plant-based proteins have brought forth choices that even staunch carnivores find satisfying.
Toppings like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have taken up permanent residence on our menu. These protein sources appeal to not just those who follow a vegetarian diet, but many guests opt for them for their distinctive tastes and being easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase heat, 2023 has noted a shift in pizza connoisseurs seeking out distinct regional chili types instead of reaching for the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be trendy, we're also noticing peppers like Aleppo, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang featured on our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a blend of four diverse regional chilies, each contributing a different taste sensation to each quarter of the pizza. It's been a particularly big hit among our diner-base keen on spicy culinary quests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The localvore movement has stretched to encompass forested delicacies with the growing fondness for seasonally foraged ingredients. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, with varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods popping up according to their seasons.
We've broadened our exploration to wild ramps, coastal greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips that offer an intriguing fragrant note. These nature-sourced components not only bring diners closer to the environment but feature unique tastes that can't be replicated by cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought by honey has taken root as a consistent draw. Expanding on the fan-favorite hot honey of past years, 2023 is witnessing an array of unique honey types being sprinkled atop pizzas just before they're served.
Varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are making their way into eateries nationwide. These drizzles add intriguing complexity, transforming even straightforward pizza recipes into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings nearly made our list but still deserve recognition for making a mark include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over the pie like delicate gold flakes
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain garnishes, like crisp farro or puffed sorghum for an added crunch
- Specialty butter blobs, especially artisanal or mixed herb varieties
Whether you hold a penchant for timeless classics or look to explore revolutionary flavor marriages, pizza remains an endlessly customizable and widely adored dish. At CentralInfoNetwork, we pay homage to time-honored practices while venturing into new territory—that's why our menu carries both the quintessential Margherita and pioneering avant-garde pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these on-trend toppings? Or do you harbor a one-of-a-kind favorite combo you yearn to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next opportunity you drop by!