Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza sector, and 2023 has its own unique set. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we're keenly observing what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. This is our list of the top pizza toppings that are currently the talk of the town.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies are turning into an unexpected crowd-pleaser on pizzas, thanks to the growing attention to gut wellness. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with a burst of zesty flavors that wonderfully offset the rich taste of cheeses and sauces. These toppings don't just come with health benefits – they're shaking things up with novel textures for the typical pizza.
Fermentation Fiesta is our new pizza innovation that boasts a custom blend of sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, balanced with a dash of locally sourced honey. It may come off as odd, but it's swiftly climbed the ranks to become a top request among our special pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-forward diets has lead to a growing interest in pizzas topped with meat-free alternatives. These aren't just your garden-variety toppings; the new wave of plant proteins is impressing even the most staunch meat enthusiasts.
Options like plant-ground Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit with a pulled pork profile, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni have become staples in our topping selections. These options cater not just to vegetarians but also to guests who opt for them due to their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love some spice, this year has been all about embracing specific regional chili types over the common red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have kept their spot in the lineup from past years, and now we're incorporating distinct flavors from Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang into our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza comes topped with a mix of regional chilies, each lending its own flavor notes to different sections of the pizza. This pie is particularly a hit with customers looking for an exotic and fiery dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The push for local and foraged ingredients is now reaching pizzerias, with naturally harvested add-ons becoming increasingly common. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which feature prominently in their peak seasons.
In our kitchen, we've gotten inventive with spring ramps, ocean greens like dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These additions offer a taste of nature and flavors that aren't found in commercially grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Pairing honey with savory notes has solidified its place in the world of pizza. After the success of spicy honey, the current year has ushered in an array of unique honey varieties drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
We now see exotic options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey enhancing menus nationwide. These drizzles bring depth to the pizzas and transform even the simplest of recipes into something extraordinary.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings nearly making our list, yet still worthy of attention, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich, umami flavor
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and cherries in particular
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crunchy farro or air-popped sorghum for added texture
- Dots of artisan butter (with specialized cultured or mixed herb flavors)
Whether your preference is for timeless classics or you're keen to explore audacious new combinations, pizza remains as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we stay true to tradition while leading the way in culinary creativity, which is why our menu is home to both the iconic Margherita and groundbreaking signature pies.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite combo you’d love to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments, or during your next visit!