As we venture into 2023, the pizza scene continues to be refreshed with innovative flavors and trends. At PlainShelter, our team is dedicated to tracking the tastes captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. We've compiled a list of this year's most sought-after and exhilarating pizza toppings that are stirring up the market.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastronomic trends have shifted to emphasize digestive wellness, with fermented vegetables rising to stardom on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing sharp, piquant tastes that balance out the creamy nature of the cheese and sauce. These probiotic-charged toppings are a source of beneficial bacteria and bring a refreshing change of textures to the pizza experience.
Our innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza highlights in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all rounded off with a sweet drizzling of artisan honey to smooth out the sour elements. Although it may sound peculiar, this pizza is swiftly turning into one of our most in-demand signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
In response to the growing shift towards plant-based diets, there has been a notable boost in the desire for plant-infused protein toppings on pizza instead of the usual veggie suspects. The field of plant-based proteins has seen remarkable growth, providing options that even the most ardent carnivores can enjoy.
We're integrating the likes of grated plant-based Italian sausage, herbed tempeh, marinated jackfruit as an alternative to pulled pork, and pea-protein-based pepperoni into our array of topping choices. These meat substitutes are garnering the attention of customers for their distinct tastes and digestibility benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spicy flavors are in for a treat! As 2023 unfolds, pizza lovers are appreciating specific regional chilies instead of resorting to the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. We've observed steadfast popularity for Calabrian chilies, but the stage is also being shared by flavorful Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang.
Embark on a spice-filled journey with our Spice Trail pizza, a combination of four distinct international chilies, each bringing its individual zest to a respective section of the pizza. This creation is particularly popular amongst our patrons with adventurous palates.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between the wild and the pizza kitchen has strengthened, as there's an upswing in the popularity of seasonally foraged ingredients. Leading this trend, an array of wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms appear frequently during their natural growing seasons.
We're not stopping at mushrooms, though; our experimental kitchen has been playing with wild ramps, ocean-sourced greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an uncommon fragrant flair. These wild-harvested components offer diners an authentic taste of nature and present flavors that aren't found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Not a fleeting craze, the pairing of savory pizza with a touch of honey sweetness has secured its spot in the gastronomic landscape. 2023 is witnessing a burst of specialty honeys being lavished onto pizzas immediately before presentation.
We see an upsurge of unique honey varieties, including truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, honey with a hint of mesquite smoke, and even honeys enhanced with CBD. These sophisticated flourishes deepen the flavors and turn even the simplest pizzas into a gourmet indulgence.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that are attracting attention, although not making our top list, include:
- Delicately cured egg yolks, grated over the pizza for an opulent finish
- Preserved fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Toppings made from heritage grains, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum providing texture
- Dabs of artisanal butter, like cultured or blended with herbs
Whether your preferences lie with time-honored favorites or you’re a culinary explorer eager to sample avant-garde flavors, pizza sustains its reputation as a universally cherished and versatile delight. At PlainShelter, we celebrate tradition while simultaneously embracing new tastes, which is evident in our menu that offers classic Margherita alongside our innovative specialty pizzas.
Have any of these trendy toppings captured your fancy? Or perhaps you have an original flavor pairing in mind that you wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in our comment section or visit us to let us know!