The pizza landscape is constantly evolving with each passing year, and 2023 has witnessed its own share of novel flavors. At CommonReferencePortal, we’re always on the lookout for the latest flavors that pizza aficionados are enjoying internationally. Here are the standout pizza toppings that are gaining popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The heightened interest in digestive wellness has extended into the pizzeria scene, where fermented vegetables have unexpectedly gained traction on top of pizzas. Items like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing a layered, sour flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Beyond their probiotic virtues, these fermented additions are introducing a delightful new textural experience to the classic pizza.
Our marquee Fermentation Festivity pizza is topped with in-house crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and is artfully drizzled with local honey to soften the sharp flavors. While it may seem like an unorthodox mix, it’s swiftly become a patrons’ favorite among our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The upsurge of plant-focused diets has not gone unnoticed in the pizza industry, with a marked increase in the demand for pies topped with inventive meat substitutes. Apart from the familiar veggie favorites, the dawn of plant-based proteins has provided choices that meat enthusiasts are also finding appealing.
Our menu now proudly presents alternatives like plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These alternatives attract more than just the vegetarian crowd—numerous customers select them for their distinctive taste profiles and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Local Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating, as 2023 marks a year where pizza lovers are eschewing the usual red pepper flakes for specific local chili variants. While Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from the past, we’re now also seeing spices like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Global Heat pizza is our fiery offering, which brings together a blend of four distinct local chilies, each lending its singular taste to the distinct quadrants of the pizza. It’s a fiery escapade which has particularly resonated with our bolder clientele.
4. Fresh Foraged Components
We've seen the farm-to-table methodology progress to include forest-to-pizza, as foraged items are now amongst the sought-after toppings. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms; with types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms gracing pizzas when in season.
Moreover, our experiments have included spring ramps (wild leeks), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to impart a distinct aromatic essence. These authentic and natural ingredients provide a connection to the Earth while offering tastes that can’t be found in cultivated foodstuffs.
5. Distinctive Honey Drizzles
The harmonious balance of sweet and savory achieved by honey has transcended its status as a fad. Expanding on the popularity of spicy honeys, the year 2023 has seen an array of special honey varieties being lavished onto pizzas prior to being served.
Exquisite varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are being featured in dining spots across the nation. These final flourishes are enhancing the complexity and elevating even the simplest pizza to haute cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
There are some other toppings that didn't make our main list but are definitely worth noting, including:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a dusting of rich umami flavor
- Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter drops, especially those cultured or mixed with aromatic herbs
Whether you align with the pizza purists or belong to the cohort willing to explore brave flavor combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally enjoyed dishes. At CommonReferencePortal, we pay homage to time-honored classics while welcoming novel creations—that’s why our menu features both the traditional Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have these trending toppings piqued your interest? Or possibly, do you have an exceptional topping fusion you'd like to introduce to us? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!