Each year, the pizza scene is revolutionized by new flavors, and the year 2023 has not disappointed. At DoughVinci's Slice Emporium, we constantly track which toppings are delighting pizza aficionados worldwide. Let us present the top pizza toppings that have risen in popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables have burst onto the pizza scene, buoyed by the increasing emphasis on digestive health. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions have seen a surge, lending their sharp tastes to the lushness of traditional pizza ingredients. They're not just a boon for gut health but also introduce a new aspect of texture to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a fan favorite, showcasing our home-fermented veggies, tangy cheeses, and a touch of locally sourced honey for a perfect sweet-tangy balance. This seemingly out-of-the-box combination has rapidly become a sought-after menu item.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift towards plant-oriented diets has amplified the demand for pizzas adorned with meat-like substitutes that go beyond your typical veggie toppings. These innovations are crafting ingredients that even the staunchest meat eaters find delectable.
Our menu now features alternatives like plant-derived meat crumbles, tasty tempeh seasonings, tropical-flavored jackfruit in a “pulled pork” style, and pea protein “pepperoni.” These toppings are popular not only with vegetarians but also with those seeking a different flavor or a meal that's easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza lovers with a penchant for heat are now gravitating towards specific chili types over traditional red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to stay in demand while new varieties like the Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are starting to make their mark.
We've created the Global Heat pizza, a blend of four unique chilies that each dominates a quarter of the pizza, offering a world tour of flavors for our more exploratory customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging has made its way from wilderness to pizza with the adoption of seasonally gathered ingredients in our pizzeria. Leading this charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear during their growing seasons.
We've also dabbled in wild ramps, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and even the fragrant tips of spruce trees to convey deep, earthy flavors that can't be artificially replicated.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The play of sweet against savory with honey has etched itself as a mainstay technique. This year has introduced a plethora of specialty honey types that add a final touch to pizzas pre-serving.
Honeys with truffle infusion, garlicky ferments, smoky hints, and those infused with CBD are making their way into eateries nationwide. They enhance the pizzas, giving even simple recipes a gourmet flair.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings not making the cut but still causing a stir include:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks dusted over the pizza, akin to powdery gold flakes
- Tangy pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grains adding a crunch, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Blobs of artisanal butter like cultured or spicy compound butters
Pizza, a steadfast favorite for many, keeps evolving. Whether you have a penchant for timeless recipes or a taste for the audacious, at DoughVinci's Slice Emporium we honor the classics while championing novel flavors. You'll find both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde culinary creations on our menu.
Have you indulged in any of these trending toppings yet? Or do you have a one-of-a-kind favorite you'd love us to feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!