With each new year, the pizza industry sees fresh trends emerge, and 2023 is no different. At GentleKitchen, we stay on top of the gastronomic delights that are capturing the attention of pizza aficionados internationally. Here's a list of the most captivating and beloved pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The growing concern for digestive health has steered fermented veggies to become an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing intricate sour notes that balance the creaminess of cheeses and sauces. Fermented toppings are not just about flavor—they add probiotic advantages and introduce a novel textural element to the classic pizza.
Our unique Fermentation Festivity pizza is crowned with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, rounded out with a splash of regional honey to counter the sourness. It's an unconventional pairing, yet it has swiftly turned into one of the most sought-after specialty pizzas we offer.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based dining has led to a noticeable surge in requests for pizzas that showcase ingenious meat substitutes. Overpassing basic vegetable toppings, developments in plant-based proteins are offering choices that can even please staunch carnivores.
On our menu, we now feature plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, flavor-loaded tempeh, textured jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings are chosen not just by vegetarians but by consumers for their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, 2023 is the year that pizza enthusiasts are gravitating towards distinct regional chili types over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still much-loved, but now culinary aficionados are delighted by the addition of Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and flavorful Korean gochujang to their pizzas.
Global Heat, our diverse chili-topped pizza, features a quartet of regional chilies that bring individual flavor notes to each part of the pizza. This fiery experience has gained particular popularity with our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The message of direct-from-nature dining is now being seen with the rising trend of seasonal foraged toppings. At the forefront are wild mushrooms—chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms adorn pizzas when in season.
We're also introducing spring ramps (wild leeks), marine greens like dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips, connecting our clientele with nature while delivering non-cultivable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory offered by honey has become an established favorite. Expanding on the previous popularity of spicy honey, the year 2023 welcomes a range of specialty honey drizzles on pizza right before it's served.
Exquisite varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and innovative CBD-infused honey are joining menus nationwide. These drizzles contribute an extra layer of complexity and transform even the simplest pizza to a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings that haven't quite made our top five but are still noteworthy for their impact:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, creating a lustrous topping
- Acidic yet sweet pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grains that add crunch such as toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Chunks of specialty butter, like cultured or mixed with herbs
No matter if you're someone who honors timeless classics or a culinary explorer looking to taste modern blendings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At GentleKitchen, we respect tradition and also honor innovation, which is why you'll encounter both the traditional Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas on our list.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a personal combination you'd wish to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!