The pizza landscape continues to evolve annually with fresh culinary trends, and the year 2023 is not an outlier. At Plaza Quarter, we keep a close eye on what's delighting pizza enthusiasts across the world. Below is our assembled list of the year's trendiest and most favored pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in digestive well-being has spread to pizza menus, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected crowd-pleaser on pizzas. Flavorsome kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a savory tang that balances beautifully with the creamy cheeses and flavorful sauces. These toppings not only offer probiotic goodness but also add distinctive texture to classic pizza offerings.
The “Fermentation Festivity” pizza at our establishment includes our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all tied together with a sweet drizzle of local honey. This unlikely fusion is swiftly become a top choice among our creative pizza options.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Amidst a surging trend in plant-based diets, the call for vegetarian pizza toppings has climbed, leading to unique meat substitute additions. Far from the usual veggie picks, the advent of plant-based proteins is catering to even the most ardent meat lovers.
Options such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, marinated pulled pork jackfruit, and pea protein “pepperoni” have become staples on our menu. These alternatives are favored not just by vegetarians but by customers who prefer their distinctive tastes and a gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Enthusiasts with a penchant for heat are celebrating; 2023 has welcomed a particular appreciation for regional chili types over the generic spicy flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, we are also witnessing an interest in Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and intense Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The International Scorch pizza concocted in our kitchen offers an assortment of these four distinct regional chilies providing unique taste experiences across the slices. It's become a must-try for our patrons seeking a spicy culinary journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
With the farm-to-table concept evolving to encompass forest-to-pizza, the trend of using foraged seasonal ingredients is gaining traction. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms — such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods — which pop up as topping favorites depending on their season.
We've also been playing with wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their unique aromatic touch. These nature-derived ingredients offer irreplicable flavors and a connection to the wilderness that resonates with our customers.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet and savory juxtaposition has become a mainstay, far beyond a fad. The ongoing craze for specialty honey variants has led to a surge in pizzas finished with a diversity of honey types just before they’re served up.
Options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and special varietals are broadening the taste profiles of pizzas from coast to coast. These drizzles add a gourmet twist and transform even the simplest pizza into a culinary masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that nearly made it into our main list but are nonetheless noteworthy include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, showering pizzas with a savory zest
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums standing out
- Ancient grain garnishes, including crunchy farro and puffed sorghum for added texture
- Dollop of artisan butter, particularly those seasoned with herbs or cultured
Whether you stick to the classics or are willing to explore audacious new flavor combinations, pizza remains an endlessly versatile and loved dish. At Plaza Quarter, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also embracing the new, hence our menu features the simple Margherita alongside avant-garde creations.
Have these current favorites graced your palate yet? Or perhaps there's a distinct topping you'd want to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!