New culinary inclinations emerge annually in the pizza domain, and the year 2023 is no different. At NeutralGuide, we diligently track the flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are the rage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has permeated the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as this year's unexpected topping favorites. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a complex sharpness that nicely offsets the creamy cheese and sauce. Besides their probiotic contributions, these tasty garnishes introduce new textural layers to classic pizza pies.
Our Fermentation Festivity pizza is adorned with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and creamy gorgonzola, topped with a hint of local honey to soften the sour notes. What may seem an odd pairing is quickly turning into one of our most in-demand signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The growing trend towards plant-centric diets has propelled an uptake in pizzas layered with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary veggie garnishes, developments in plant-based proteins have presented choices that even resolute carnivores find enticing.
Options like vegan Italian sausage bits, seasoned chunks of tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperonis are now staples in our kitchen. These toppings are not solely for plant-eaters; a diverse array of our clients opt for them due to their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a touch of fire in their meal, 2023 has been a delight with pizza lovers embracing specialized regional chilis over common crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilis have remained a crowd-favorite, and now we're observing a growing presence of Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilis, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang among pizza toppings.
Our Global Sizzle pizza presents a selection of chilis from different regions, each lending its distinctive taste to the pizza. This spicy delight has garnered special attention from our most intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The localvore movement has now branched out with the increasing trend of seasonal foraged additions, effectively changing from farm-to-table to forest-to-table. Leading the way are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace our pizzas during their seasonal peaks.
We've also been playing with foraged items like spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients offer an earthy connection and flavors that cultivated crops cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness with savory notes has established itself as a long-standing trend. Keeping up with the demand for hot honey, 2023 has witnessed an influx of unique honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas. Truffle-infused honey, honey with fermented garlic, smoky mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-enriched honey are becoming more common, adding a gourmet flourish even to the simplest of pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings garnering interest, though not making our top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks, gently grated over the pizza like a dusting of gold
- Tangy pickled fruits, especially with stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Heritage grains such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Pads of artisanal butter, particularly those cultured with herbs
Whether your leanings are towards classical flavors or you're open to exploring bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes across the globe. At NeutralGuide, we celebrate the classics while also gladly taking the road less traveled by offering both traditional Margherita and groundbreaking specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have you had a chance to sample any of these top toppings? Or perhaps there's a unique pizza topping combination that you think we should feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!