Each year introduces fresh gastronomic trends within the pizza sphere, and 2023 stands out with unique multitudes. At SunsetVeranda Pizzeria, keeping tabs on global pizza enthusiasts' evolving preferences is our forte. We are excited to present a compilation of this year's most captivating and favored pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to digestive wellness has transitioned into the realm of pizza making, with fermented vegetables emerging as a crowd favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are delivering complex sour notes that balance the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Besides offering gut-friendly probiotics, these toppings are adding a new layer of textures to the classic pizza base.
The Fermentation Fête pizza, our newest creation, boasts a blend of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and robust gorgonzola, with a sweet drizzle of artisanal honey to counteract the sour elements. This unconventional pairing is fast becoming one of our most sought-after specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascendancy of plant-centric diets has resulted in amplified requests for plant-based meat substitutes atop our pizzas. Beyond the usual veggie options, pioneering plant-based protein innovations are pleasing the palates of even the staunchest carnivores.
On our menu, options like plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit dressed as pulled pork, and pea protein resembling pepperoni have become staples. These alternatives are chosen not solely by vegetarians but by many patrons for their distinct tastes and lighter gastronomic presence.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek heat, 2023 has witnessed a shift towards selecting distinct regional chili varieties instead of generic chili flakes. With Calabrian chilies retaining their past allure, other varieties like Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste are now also gracing our pizzas.
The Global Spice Route pizza is graced with a quartet of divergent chilies, each imparting its own signature taste to a portion of the pizza, a culinary journey that our more daring customers particularly enjoy.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of foraging has advanced from forests straight to pizzas, heightening the popularity of seasonally gathered ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear when in season.
In addition to mushrooms, our experimentation includes wild leeks known as ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even the fragrant spruce tips, ingredients that bring our customers closer to the wilderness while providing unmatched flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory from honey has cemented its status in the pizza world. Building on the prior success of spiced honey, the year 2023 has seen a surge in specialty honeys being drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
Exotic varieties such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and other innovative infusions are featuring in pizzerias nationwide, each adding a sophisticated finish that transforms straightforward pizzas into artisan experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that narrowly missed the top five but deserve a mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas giving a shimmering effect
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums standing out
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum adding texture
- Crafted butter morsels, specifically cultured or herbed compound butter varieties
Whether a purist with a preference for time-honored classics or a culinary adventurer eager for innovative flavors, pizza remains among the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At SunsetVeranda Pizzeria, we celebrate the past while looking to the future, which reflects in our selection of both the iconic Margherita and contemporary specialty pizzas.
Are you familiar with any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a distinct favorite blend you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!