As the culinary landscape evolves, so does the pizza scene, and in 2023, the selection is more thrilling than ever. At DeltaHaven, we keep a pulse on global preferences to curate a list of top garnishes that pizza aficionados are currently raving about. Here's a glimpse into the top toppings that are reshaping the pizza topping trends this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut well-being has become a central focus in cuisine, and unexpectedly, fermented vegetables are climbing the ranks as a fan-favorite pizza topping. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing a complex zesty savor that beautifully contrasts the creamy flavor of cheese and savory tomato sauce. These toppings offer more than just taste; they bring a wealth of probiotic advantages and add exceptional textural layers to the traditional pizza.
Our novel Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases our in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped with a sweet drizzle of local honey to offset the sour nuances. This unique mix may seem eccentric, but its rise in demand is undeniable.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets continues and with it comes a burgeoning demand for pizzas adorned with alternative protein sources. Beyond common veggies, the advancement of plant-protein products has led to new toppings that appeal to even the most committed carnivores.
Options such as plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit dressed as pulled pork, and pea protein resembling pepperoni now frequently grace our menu. These plant-protein additions have found fans not only in vegetarians but also among those who prefer their unique flavors and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Variants
Those with a penchant for spicy flavors are discovering a new love for specific chili peppers from distinct regions, stepping away from the traditional red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to enjoy their well-established status, diverse types such as the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making their way onto pizzas.
Our Worldwide Spiciness pizza is a journey through the world of chilies, each type lending its distinctive taste to different parts of the pie. It's a fiery till for the more intrepid of our clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Components
The farm-to-fork concept has expanded to encompass wild, foraged ingredients from forests to pizza kitchens. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear seasonally.
We're also venturing into wild ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and seasonal spruce tips which impart an aromatic freshness. These gourmet ingredients provide a connection to the great outdoors and flavors that cannot be replicated by cultivation.
5. Specialized Honey Glazes
The delightful contrast between sweet and savory profiles rendered by honey has become a lasting element in contemporary pizza. Encouraged by the buzzaround hot honey, 2023 welcomes a variety of honey infusions that enhance pizzas right before serving.
Truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD are making their mark. These artisanal honey drizzles introduce layers of flavor and can transform a straightforward pizza into an exquisite dish.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that are gaining attention, although not in the top five, include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely shredded over pizzas for a rich finish
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains such as toasted farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Specialty butters, such as cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you lean towards time-honored toppings or seek out novel flavor pairings, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At DeltaHaven, we celebrate time-honored flavors while also embracing culinary creativity, which is why our menu features both the classic Margherita and innovative gourmet pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or maybe there's a distinctive topping combination you'd like us to try? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!