As each year passes, the pizza industry witnesses fresh gastronomic trends, and 2023 has brought its own set of sensations. Here at DoughMaestro's Pizzeria, keeping tabs on what tantalizes the taste buds of pizza aficionados internationally is our specialty. Here is our curated list of the most talked-about and much-loved pizza toppings that are defining this year.
1. Pickled Veggies
Attention to digestive wellness has found its place in pizza kitchens, with pickled veggies emerging as an unlikely favorite atop pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate zestful tastes that balance the hearty flavors of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings go beyond taste, offering gut-friendly probiotics and adding a new twist of texture to the classic pizza experience.
The Fermentation Festivity pizza, our newest creation, includes our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a type of blue cheese, with a final touch of artisan honey to offset the sharp flavors. This might be an unconventional combo, yet it is quick on its way to becoming a top-requested pizza at our establishment.
2. Meat-Free Proteins
The shift towards plant-centric diets has not slowed, resulting in greater popularity for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond traditional veggie options, recent developments in meat-free proteins have brought about choices that even staunch carnivores can appreciate.
Items such as faux Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit with a barbecue twist, and a pea-based alternative to pepperoni are now mainstays on our menu. These options are chosen by patrons not only for their ethical benefits but also for their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Distinctive Chili Types
Those who favor spiciness are in luck as pizza connoisseurs are now gravitating towards distinctive chili types instead of the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chili maintains its position from prior years, there's now a mix of flavors from Aleppo chilies, smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang making their mark on pizzas.
Our World of Heat pizza presents a blend of four different regional chilies, with each bringing a unique taste to the pizza's quarters. It's become a favorite for customers seeking a bold and spicy journey with their meal.
4. Wild-Foraged Additions
Connecting farm directly to table, or in this case, wild nature to pizza, foraged seasonal ingredients have surged in popularity. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with flavorful finds like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing pizzas during their growth seasons.
Our explorations have gone beyond mushrooms to include springtime ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct fragrant flair. These ingredients offer a taste of nature and offer flavors not found in commercially grown produce.
5. Artisan Honey Infusions
The interplay of sweet and savory flavors brought about by honey has solidified its place in the world of pizza trends. Expanding on the previous surge in hot honey varieties, this year has seen an emergence of unique honey infusions used as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Some of these include honey laced with truffle, honey fermented with garlic, a smoky honey variety, and even honey infused with CBD. These drizzles add a layer of sophistication and transform even the simplest pizza into a deluxe experience.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that have narrowly missed the top ranks but are still notable include:
- Cured egg yolks grated finely over the pizza for a rich umami punch
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains for a crunchy addition, including crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Specialty butters, like cultured or compound butters with herbs, dotted on the crust
Whether your preferences are set firmly in traditional tastes or you're open to trying innovative pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At DoughMaestro's Pizzeria, we maintain respect for classic recipes while also welcoming culinary advances—thus our menu showcases both the well-loved Margherita and our avant-garde creations.
Have any of these modern toppings caught your attention? Or maybe you have an extraordinary personal topping mix you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!