As each year unfolds, we witness new trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 has been no different. At QuietArrivals, our goal is to stay ahead of what's captivating the palates of pizza connoisseurs everywhere. We're excited to share a list of the top pizza toppings that are defining the culinary scene this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive health has taken center stage in the pizza domain, with an unexpected rise in fermented vegetables gracing our pies. Flavorsome additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a zesty complexity that wonderfully offsets the creamy cheeses and sauces. These fermented choices are not just tasty—they offer gut-friendly probiotics and contribute an intriguing new consistency to our beloved pizzas.
The in-house favorite Fermentation Feast pizza is layered with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, creating a flavor profile that's rounded off with a sweet honey drizzle. This combo may seem atypical, yet it's quickly ascended to be among our most sought-after offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The popularity of plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat-free alternatives. We've moved past traditional veggies, introducing plant-protein options that even die-hard carnivores applaud.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni now feature prominently on our menu. These plant-based proteins aren't solely for those who avoid meat; they're chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
People looking to add a bit of fire to their pizza are now opting for specific regional chili types, rather than the conventional crushed red pepper. The hot favorites include Calabrian chilies, the distinctive taste of Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora, the fruitiness of Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
The Global Heat pizza at our establishment is a celebration of spice, presenting a variety of four distinct chilies spread across the pie, each offering its remarkable taste and heat. This particular pizza has found favor among customers who crave a culinary challenge.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection to locally sourced ingredients has expanded from farms to forests with the growth of freshly foraged components on pizzas. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing on pizzas in their peak seasons.
Our pizza explorations have led us to include wild ramps, ocean-originated greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These items not only offer an authentic wild flavor but also forge a connection between the eater and unadulterated nature.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The enchanting interplay of honey's sweetness with savory has become a staple in pizza garnishing. Following the previous trend of spicy honey, 2023 has brought forth a variety of specialized honey, drizzled onto pizzas just before they're served.
Some gourmet honey variations that have joined the fray include truffle-infused honey, smoky mesquite, and even garnishes like CBD-enhanced honey varieties. These drizzles add a layer of sophistication to our pizzas, elevating even the simplest dough, cheese, and tomato base into the realm of gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings of note that nearly made our top list but are still causing quite a stir include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a velvety layer
- Quick-pickled fruits, particularly those like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain embellishments, providing crunchiness in forms like toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter spots, from cultures or compound butters infused with herbs
Regardless of whether you prefer time-honored options or are keen to sample innovative flavor fusions, pizza remains a universally adored and versatile dish. At QuietArrivals, we celebrate tradition while also embarking on adventurous culinary endeavors—which is why our menu offers both the classic Margherita and innovative masterpieces.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your interest? Or perhaps you have a special combination in mind that you'd love to taste in our creations? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!