Each passing year introduces new pizza topping trends, and 2023 is brimming with innovation. At SaltMeander Pizzeria, we keenly observe which flavors captivate pizza enthusiasts worldwide. We are proud to present this year's selection of top pizza toppings that are creating a buzz.
1. Fermented Vegetables
A newfound emphasis on digestive health has brought fermented toppings to the forefront in pizza kitchens, offering a fresh surprise with their unique tastes. Fermented delights like kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions have permeated through the pie scene, presenting a tangy counterpart to the classic pizza bases of cheese and tomato. Not only do these additions offer health benefits, but their distinctive textures are reinventing the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, loaded with our specialty sauerkraut, house-prepared kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, crowned with a sweet local honey drizzle, is challenging traditional palate preferences and fast becoming a signature request at our establishment.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascendancy of plant-based diets has led to a surge in pizza toppings that provide a meat-free alternative without sacrificing flavor. No longer limited to simple veggies, we're now offering a range of plant-based proteins that impressively mimic traditional meatier toppings.
On our menu, we feature plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, seasoned jackfruit as a pulled pork substitute, and pea protein patterned after pepperoni. These protein options appeal not only to vegetarians but to a wider customer base keen on experiencing distinctive tastes and a more agreeable gastronomic effect.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a kick of heat on their pizza are starting to prefer distinct chili types over the usual crushed red pepper. The Calabrian pepper's presence remains strong, but newcomers include the aromatic Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and complex Korean gochujang.
The Worldly Zest pizza is a patchwork of these chilies, offering a globe-trotting spicy experience that caters to our diners with a penchant for heat.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged components have made their way from woodland to table to dough, thanks to the enduring popularity of locally sourced and natural ingredients. At the forefront are wild mushrooms - sought-after picks like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appear as star toppings when in season.
Adventures in flavor have also led us to include wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, along with aromatic spruce tips. These earthy elements offer exclusive tastes and connect our customers with nature's bounty in ways commercially farmed produce cannot.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast between the sweet drizzle of honey and savory pizza has transcended the trend phase and become a staple. Continuing from the wave of hot honey, specialty honeys like infused truffle, fermented garlic, rich mesquite, and unique CBD-dosed variants are being drizzled atop pies to finish them with flair, adding layers of complexity and elevating even basic pies to gourmet works.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that nearly made our list but deserve mention include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza akin to a dusting of golden snow
- Pickled fruit variants, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Whole grain garnishes for added crunch such as toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Handcrafted butter dollops, especially those enriched with culture or infused with herbs
Regardless of whether you're a connoisseur of classic flavors or you're open to experimenting with novel ingredient combinations, pizza maintains its status as a universally-adaptable and cherished dish. SaltMeander Pizzeria respects pizza tradition while daringly innovating, ensuring that our menu caters to both purists and culinary adventurers alike.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your attention, or do you have a unique personal favorite that you'd love to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!