With each new year, pizza garnishments take new turns and twists, and 2023 is no different. At Crust & Crafters, our commitment is to keep up with the global flavors capturing pizza aficionados' pallets. Here are the five toppings currently defining this year's pizza scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut wellbeing has found a place in pizza kitchens with fermented veggies becoming the unexpected hit of the year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions impart a sophisticated, zesty taste that pairs perfectly with opulent cheese and sauce layers. More than their probiotic advantages, these fermented options add a new level of textural intrigue to the timeless pizza profile.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is loaded with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and rich gorgonzola cheese, capped off with a sweet local honey swirl to soften the zest. It may seem like an unconventional pairing, yet it's rising up the ranks as a fan-favorite specialty offering.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
There's a growing trend for plant-based diets, which has led to an increased demand for pizzas that feature innovative meat substitutes. These aren't just limited to classic veggie toppings; the introduction of plant-based proteins now caters to even the staunchest meat eaters.
Our menu now includes plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit taking on the role of pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These plant-derived proteins attract customers not solely for their dietary values but also for their distinct tastes and lighter feel in the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For lovers of spice, 2023 is a year to indulge in the bold flavors of specific chili types instead of the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to hold onto their prestige, other peppers like smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now featured on pizza platters.
Our Global Heat pizza mixes a quartet of chilies each bringing a distinguished taste to different sections of the pizza, catering to those who seek a fiery gastronomic journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-table has transitioned into forest-to-pizza with the surge of wild, foraged ingredients. Leading this shift are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which make seasonal debuts.
We've dabbled in using wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and the distinctively aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer a connection to the untamed wilderness and flavors that are unattainable in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
We've noticed the synergy of sweet and savory honey persist beyond a fleeting craze. Specialty honey variants are now commonplace as last-minute garnishes on pizzas, with 2023 witnessing a surge in their use.
Aromatic truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even non-psychoactive CBD-infused honey are enhancing pizza menus nationwide. These sweet notes are the final flourish that ascends even the simplest pizza to a gourmet masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that narrowly missed making our prime selection but are still leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated across the pizza distributing a golden cascade
- Pickled fruit options, notably stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines
- Crunchy textures from heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet dollops of butter, particularly those enriched with fermentation or herbed infusions
No matter if you prefer time-honored anchor toppings or are eager to explore daring new ingredient amalgamations, pizza remains the universally beloved canvas of culinary art. At Crust & Crafters, we pay our respects to tradition while also venturing into the new—that's why you'll spot the iconic Margherita alongside the avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have these newfangled toppings graced your palate? Or maybe you have an exceptional mix in mind that you wish to see on our list? Drop your comments or let us know during your next visit!