Each year, the pizza scene is enhanced with new gastronomic trends, and 2023 has followed the pattern. At StewBowlGarden, we constantly track the global preferences of pizza aficionados. Below is our list of the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Health consciousness around fermented foods has infiltrated pizza kitchens, with a range of fermented veggies emerging as a crowd favorite on pizzas. Ingredients such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a savory punch, enhancing the creamy taste of traditional cheese and tomato bases. Not only are these toppings good for gut health, but they also add intriguing new textures to pizzas.
The offering on our menu, named Fermentation Fiesta, includes a spread of house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, delicately topped with a local honey drizzle to soften the sharp flavors. Despite the unconventional mix, it has rapidly become a top choice among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt a plant-based lifestyle, there's been a noticeable uptick in the variety of meat substitutes available on pizzas. Moving away from simple veggie toppings, these new plant-based proteins have found favor with traditional meat aficionados as well.
Vegan Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit dressed as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now a staple in our kitchen. These options cater to a wider audience, including those who prefer light and different flavors in their meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who like their pizza with a kick, the current year has welcomed a preference for distinct regional chili types, stepping aside from the common crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies remain in demand, other varieties such as the smokey ñora chilies from Spain, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and the intense Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas.
Our Global Spice pizza is a journey of heat, showcasing a selection of distinct chilies from various regions, each providing a distinctive taste to different sections of the pizza. This concoction has gained popularity among patrons with a penchant for the spicier side of life.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The zest for locally-sourced ingredients has expanded from fields to forests, as seasonal foraged produce becomes increasingly popular. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which pop up on our pizzas in sync with their natural harvest times.
We’ve also been experimenting with wild ingredients like spring ramps (wild garlic), seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that bring a unique scent to the mix. These items give our customers an immersive dining experience by connecting them to the wilderness while offering flavors that cultivated ingredients cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory provided by honey has become a lasting hit in the world of pizza topping trends. Beyond the well-liked spicy honey, this year has seen a surge in special honey variants used as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Honeys infused with aromatic elements such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even honey with CBD add multiple layers of flavor that transform common pizzas into high-end dishes.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that almost made it to our top list but are still causing quite a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for an umami-rich dusting
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums for a tangy twist
- Ancient grains, like crispy farro or popped sorghum, adding crunch
- Handcrafted butter blobs, particularly those with cultured notes or mixed with herbs
Whether your tastes lean towards timeless favorites or you're inclined to explore audacious new flavor marriages, pizza remains an incredibly versatile and universally cherished dish. At StewBowlGarden, we revere time-honored recipes as much as we celebrate the new. That's why our menu offers both the classic Margherita and trailblazing pie creations.
Have any of these trendy toppings captured your interest? Or maybe you have an exceptional topping combination you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us about them when you drop by!