This year has introduced fresh culinary trends in the pizza sector, and 2023 has its own set of emerging favorites. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we're keenly observing the flavor preferences captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to present the top pizza toppings that have dominated this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on gut wellness has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables taking the lead on pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing a layer of tangy taste that pairs well with the creamy cheese and sauce. Besides their probiotic advantages, these fermented additions are bringing new textures to the classic pizza experience.
Our unique Fermentation Celebration pizza is crafted with our special sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a touch of local honey to even out the sour notes. It may seem like an atypical mix, but it's swiftly become one of the most sought-after pizzas we offer.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend toward plant-based diets has led to a higher demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond typical veggie toppings, the latest developments in plant-based proteins are presenting alternatives that even the staunchest meat enthusiasts can enjoy.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit made to mimic pulled pork, and pea protein 'pepperoni' are now staples in our recipe repertoire. These options appeal not only to vegetarians but to a broad customer base for their distinctive flavors and gentler effects on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating as pizza enthusiasts now prefer specific regional chili varieties over generic hot pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain a fan favorite, while peppers like the Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas for added zest.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a mix of these four distinct regional chilies, giving each slice a unique spicy profile. This fiery culinary journey is proving popular among our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What started as farm-to-table has now expanded to forest-to-pizza, with foraged seasonal ingredients gaining popularity. Leading this charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on pizzas in their harvest seasons.
We're venturing beyond mushrooms to include wild flavors like spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips that impart a special aromatic twist. These wild ingredients forge a bond with nature while offering tastes not found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet and savory contrast has become a solidified element of modern pizza. Expanding upon the hot honey trend, 2023 has seen a surge in special honey variations being added to pizzas as a finishing touch.
Rare honey such as truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-enriched honeys are making their appearance in pizzerias nationwide. These drizzles are the perfect final touch, transforming even the simplest pizza into a gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings of note that have made a splash but didn't make the top-five list include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich topping
- Pickled fruits, with a particular focus on pitted fruits like peaches and plums
- Whole grains for added crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Specialty butters, like cultured or herb-infused varieties added in small dollops
Whether you stick to tried-and-true classics or you're open to tasting inventive flavor pairings, pizza remains an infinitely adaptable and well-loved dish. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we celebrate timeless recipes while also welcoming new culinary ideas—that's why our menu includes both the classic Margherita and innovative pies.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or is there a unique topping blend you'd love us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!