Each year, pizza sees new trends emerge, and 2023 is no different. At StillMarket, we're keen on identifying the latest favorites amongst pizza aficionados globally. Here we present the top pizza toppings that are all the rage currently.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing gut health, fermented vegetables have unexpectedly become a hit on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a complex, tangy zest that complements the creamy cheeses and robust sauces. Offering probiotic advantages, these toppings are introducing intriguing new textural elements to classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie we’re serving boasts homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet honey drizzle to offset the sharp tang. It may seem like an unusual pairing, but it's fast becoming a favorite speciality pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, the demand for meat-free pizza toppings has soared. Accommodating this shift, we're seeing a wealth of innovative meat substitutes. Plant-based proteins have been particularly well-received, extending beyond typical vegetable choices.
We now serve toppings like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These options aren't solely for vegetarians but are characterized by their distinct flavors and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is thrilling those with a penchant for spice, as pizza lovers are now favoring specific types of regional chilies instead of general red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, alongside a burst of flavors from Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza is a spicy exploration with four different regional chilies offered in separate sections of the pizza, delighting the palates of our adventurous customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-to-pizza is the new trend, thanks to foraged ingredients finding their way onto pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing atop pizzas in their peak seasons.
We extend beyond mushrooms, having experimented with foraged items like spring ramps, marine greens like dulse, and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients provide a connection to the wild and deliver flavors not found in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey continues to rise in popularity for its sweet and savory fusion on pizza. 2023 has been notable for the proliferation of unique honey varieties added to pizzas at the last minute.
Our menu features exotic varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey, which impart depth and a gourmet touch to simple pizza recipes.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't quite make our top five, but are certainly creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza, offering a rich umami layer
- Pickled stone fruits like peaches and plums, providing a sour note
- Whole grains toppings, including crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Specialty butter spots, like cultured or mixed herb butters, for a creamy burst
Whether one's preference lies with traditional toppings or innovative and bold new flavors, pizza remains a versatile and universally adored dish. At StillMarket, we celebrate the classics while also embracing new creations, reflected by the presence of both timeless Margherita and avant-garde pies on our menu.
Have these popular toppings piqued your interest, or do you harbor a distinctive topping combination you'd like to share? Drop us a comment or let us know during your next visit!