Each year presents the pizza industry with fresh popular trends, and 2023 does not falter in this tradition. At PlateMealSimple, staying ahead of what tantalizes pizza aficionados globally is our forte. This year's lineup of pizza topping favorites brings excitement to the slices.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's relevance has entered the realm of pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a top pick for pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend their sour layers, complementing cheese and sauce delightfully. They incorporate probiotics while adding new textural elements to the conventional pizza recipe.
On our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, we bring together homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and a blue cheese variety, topped off with locally sourced honey to juxtapose the sourness. Although peculiar in combination, this variety emerges as a sought-after choice among our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centric diets has led to an uptick in pizzas topped with imaginative meat substitutes. Surpassing the usual array of veggies, novel plant protein innovations now tempt even staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have staked a place on our roster. These alternatives are not exclusively for plant-eaters — their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility encourage a wider fan base to indulge.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For fans of spiciness, 2023 is a year of revelation with an embrace of distinct, regional chili types instead of the commonplace red pepper flake seasoning. Calabrian chilies keep their stronghold, but now Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilies, aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are being sprinkled on pizzas.
Our Worldly Fire pie assorting four unique chilies not only infuses distinct taste profiles into each quarter of the pizza but has also thrilled diners seeking culinary ventures.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
From the farm to the slice, the uptick in using wild-gathered, seasonal ingredients is evident. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms, with types like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods seen during their specific seasons.
We've also experimented with wild spring ramps (leeks), sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an intriguing aromatic touch. These naturally sourced additions form a connection with nature and offer a taste experience unattainable by farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast of savory with the sweetness of honey is now a stalwart trait in pizzas, transcending a mere trend. In 2023, an array of unique honey types has been spotted as pizza toppings, applied just prior to serving.
Unique varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky-flavored mesquite honey all see use in kitchens. They amplify and lend complexity, transforming even basic pizzas into refined culinary experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings not quite making the top five but still leaving an impression include:
- Salt-cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a touch of opulence
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums in the lead
- Ancient grain sprinkles, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, including varieties like cultured or herbed compound butter
Whether you're a purist holding dear to classic tastes or you're willing to explore bold, innovative pairings, pizza forever remains a versatile and cherished cuisine. At PlateMealSimple, we respect the time-honored while welcoming the new—that's the reason our menu showcases both the timeless Margherita along with pioneering gastronomic masterpieces.
Have these trend-setting toppings reached your palate yet? Or is there a particular flavor amalgam you're eager to see on our lineup? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!