The pizza industry continually witnesses fresh culinary waves, and the year 2023 is ripe with them. At QuietMoorland, we closely watch the flavors that enthrall pizza aficionados universally. This list showcases the top pizza toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have carved a niche in pizza kitchens thanks to the prevailing interest in digestive wellness. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide a zesty complexity that pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these fermented options add a probiotic boost, but they also offer new texture profiles for the classic pizza groundwork.
Take for example our Fermentation Fiesta pie, boasting a blend of homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all rounded off with a drizzle of local honey to soften the sharpness. This seemingly eclectic mix is fast becoming one of our most sought-after gourmet pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-centered diets is unmistakable, with a noticeable surge in the demand for pizzas adorned with inventive non-meat toppings. Supplementing traditional veggie garnishes, the new wave of plant-based proteins includes offerings that even staunch carnivores find satisfying.
Options such as crumbled protein-rich Italian sausage substitutes, savory tempeh seasoning, jackfruit pulled pork in a marinade, and pea protein pepperoni now feature prominently on our pizza menu. These plant-derived proteins are chosen not only by vegetarians but also by those who appreciate their distinctive taste and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Chili enthusiasts can celebrate as 2023 heralds the embracement of specific chili varieties from diverse regions over the standard crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies preserve their reign from past years, we're also seeing the use of spices like Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, aromatic Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang disrupting the pizza topping scene.
Our Global Spice Journey pizza introduces a selection of four distinct regional chilies, each infusing its unique taste profile to a quarter of the pie. This fiery exploration has garnered particularly favorable feedback from our bold-flavor-loving patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The dialogue of farm-to-table has further branched into a newfound forest-to-pizza approach with the elevation of foraged seasonal components. Leading this trend are rare wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas during their peak seasons.
We've also been playing with wild spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips for their unique scent and flavor. These elements offer an authentic connection to nature while featuring tastes that cannot be replicated through cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory elements through honey has cemented its status as a trend with longevity. Following in the footsteps of the previously embraced spicy honey, this year has brought with it a variety of unique honey infusions just before pizza serving.
Exquisite varieties like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite-flavored honey, and even honey infused with CBD have started gracing pies countrywide. A final touch of these honeys can greatly enhance and transform even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that didn't quite make our top five but are nonetheless creating ripples in the pizza world include:
- Cured egg yolk sprinkled over the crust like a fine powder
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines
- Crunchy toppings using heritage grains, including crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Spots of artisanal butter, especially those versed in cultured or compounded with herbs
Pizza remains a globally cherished and highly versatile dish, whether you're a purist who holds dear to the original recipes or a culinary explorer ready to dive into uncharted flavor territories. At QuietMoorland, we revere the classics while also celebrating innovation, reflected by a menu that features both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these current top toppings? Or perhaps there’s an offbeat combination you'd love for us to feature? Do tell us in the comments, or the next time you drop by for a visit!