An annual refresh of pizza topping trends emerges, and in 2023, this trend continues unabated. At DawnRidgeCommons, we're dedicated to tracking the toppings that entice pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to share our curated list of this year's most sought-after and innovative pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's emerging importance has reached the pizza scene, and fermented vegetables have become an unanticipated pizza topping favorite. Flavorsome kimchi, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty pickled onions bring a burst of flavor and a probiotic punch that balances the rich taste of traditional cheese and sauce. These toppings add a new layer of texture and taste to pizzas.
Our Fermentation Festivity pizza is decked with our own sauerkraut, house-crafted kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of local honey to soften the tartness. It's a combination that may seem out of the box but is swiftly becoming a go-to for our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets has led to increased demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond the expected vegetable toppings, advances in plant-based proteins have created options that even steadfast carnivores can enjoy.
Vegetable-based crumbles resembling Italian sausage, expertly seasoned tempeh, and jackfruit styled as pulled pork, together with pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni, now frequently appear on our menu. These proteins captivate not only vegetarians but also those who prefer their flavors and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those craving a spicy kick are celebrating the rise of unique regional chili varieties on pizzas, moving beyond the typical red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies are still a crowd-pleaser, chilies like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now found as pizza toppings.
Our Global Heat pizza serves a combination of four distinct regional chilies, each infusing a slice with its particular flavor characteristics. The result is a fiery journey that's become particularly popular with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of sourcing direct from nature to pizza oven is growing with seasonal foraged ingredients, such as wild mushrooms – including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods – gracing pizzas during their natural seasons.
We've also incorporated spring ramps, oceanside greens like dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips into our offerings. These ingredients forge a connection to nature and provide flavors unattainable in conventional agriculture.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a sweet-savory balance on pizza has become a full-fledged trend. In 2023, the variety of specialty honeys used for finishing pizzas has multiplied tremendously.
Honeys infused with ingredients like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD are making appearances, enriching pizzas before serving and transforming simple recipes into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings not quite making our top five but still creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizzas for a luxurious touch
- Pickled fruit variations, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain additions for an added crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet dollops of butter, including cultured varieties or those blended with herbs
No matter if you're someone who cherishes classic styles or an explorer ready for new flavor ventures, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At DawnRidgeCommons, we honor time-honored traditions while also exploring the new—that's why our menu features both the staple Margherita and an array of avant-garde custom creations.
Which of these on-trend toppings have you sampled? Or maybe you have an inventive combination you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!