As the calendar year turns, the pizza industry often sees emerging flavor trends that captivate the palates of pizza enthusiasts. At OliveOilPlate, it's our mission to identify and cater to these global tastes. We’re excited to introduce you to the top toppings that are redefining pizza in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The spotlight on digestive wellness continues, with pizzerias incorporating fermented veggies into their offerings for a savory zest. An array of pickled flavors from ingredients such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing an intriguing tartness that complements the creamy cheeses and savory sauces, while offering probiotic goodness and a distinct textural experience.
Take for instance our Fermentation Fête pizza, which brims with in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and tangy gorgonzola, all masterfully balanced with a sweet drizzle of locally-sourced honey. This unusual blend is swiftly ascending our chart of fan favorites.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The plant-based movement sees no sign of slowing, with a noticeable surge in demand for pizzas laden with innovative meat substitutes. Ditching conventional veggie toppings, our latest menu is testifying the potential of alternatives like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and protein-rich pepperoni made from peas. These toppings attract not only vegetarians but also those who seek out distinct flavors and a lighter footprint on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those seeking a kick of spice, the year 2023 has shifted from the usual red pepper flakes to a more defined palate of regional chilies. While Calabrian chilies remain popular from past years, we are now embracing the likes of smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, or tangy Korean gochujang to garnish our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a quartet of regional chilies, offering a distinct flavor profile on each segment of the crust, much to the delight of our spice-loving clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from nature to plate is gaining strength with the trend of foraged items topping pizzas. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, selected for their freshness during their natural growing season.
Beyond mushrooms, we've played with wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), oceanic plants like dulse and nori, even spruce tips known for their fragrant qualities. These naturally occurring ingredients not only bring diners a taste of the wild but also offer unmatched flavors that can't be found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Sweet touches like honey have secured their spot on the pizza canvas, with various specialty honeys making their entrance in 2023. Innovative varieties including truffle-infused, garlic-flavored, smoky mesquite, and other unique honeys are being artfully drizzled atop pizzas for a refined finish that turns even the simplest of pies into a gourmet delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
A selection of other toppings that are making ripples, although they didn't make our top list, include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, creating a rich dusting over the pizza
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Toppings from heritage grains like crunchy farro or burst sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, including ones infused with herbs or cultured for depth of flavor
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're one to venture into novel taste territories, the beauty of pizza lies in its endless versatility. At OliveOilPlate, we take pride in honoring the traditions while also pushing the envelope of innovation—that's why our menu is a homage to pizzas from the quintessential Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Have you had the pleasure of tasting any of these contemporary toppings, or do you have a preferred combination that's outside the box? We invite your thoughts in the comments or look forward to hearing them during your next visit!