Each year ushers in a fresh wave of pizza culinary trends, and 2023 is no different. At PublicCrossroads, keeping a pulse on the flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide is our passion. This is our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are dominating the scene this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health garners more attention, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected star in the pizza topping lineup. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a zesty tang that perfectly enhances the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These fermented add-ons also bring a probiotic punch and add an exciting new textural element to classic pizza profiles.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie, topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, and finished with a local honey drizzle, may sound quirky but has fast become a signature request among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement toward plant-centric diets has led to an upsurge in plant-derived protein toppings as pizza options. Beyond traditional vegetables, new innovations in vegetarian proteins are now offering alternatives that even hardcore carnivores appreciate.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples. These toppings are selected not just by vegetarians but also by customers who enjoy their distinctive tastes and the lighter feeling they offer after consumption.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating as 2023 sees a trend toward specific, regionally-sourced chili types, rather than the standard red pepper flakes. We're noticing a particular delight in Calabrian chilies, Aleppo peppers, smoked Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza brings together a selection of four diverse regional chilies, each imparting its distinct flavor profile to separate quarters of the pizza, offering a spicy delight that's become a hit with our adventurous customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from farm to table has expanded into the realm of pizza with the growing interest in seasonally foraged components. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront of this trend, boasting varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when they are in season.
In addition to mushrooms, our culinary experiments include wild spring leeks, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These elements bring our patrons closer to nature and provide flavor experiences unattainable with farm-grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The allure of honey's contrast with savory notes has solidified its place as more than a fleeting trend. Expanding on the fervor for spiced honey in preceding years, 2023 has introduced a variety of specialty honeys adorned atop pizzas prior to serving.
Exquisite varieties, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey, are now featured on menus nationwide. These decadent drizzles contribute sophisticated flavors that lift even simple pizza recipes to new heights of culinary delight.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that are garnering attention, though not quite making our top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza surface like a fine dusting
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heirloom grain garnishes like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly cultured or infused with herbs
Whether your preferences lean towards time-honored classics or your palate yearns for pioneering flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At PublicCrossroads, we pay homage to tradition while also pushing the boundaries of innovation—that's why our menu features both the beloved Margherita alongside avant-garde specialty pies.
Have these trending toppings piqued your interest, or do you have a peculiar topping combination in mind that you'd like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our establishment!