As the culinary landscape evolves, pizza remains at the forefront, and 2023 has brought a fresh array of favored toppings. At VelvetPineCorner, we closely watch global trends to see what's captivating the palates of pizza connoisseurs. The following are this year's standout toppings that have caught our attention.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive health has spilt over into the pizza industry, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected pizza topping chart-topper. Components such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a sophisticated sour zest that pairs beautifully with the traditional cheese and tomato base. These additions aren't just tasty—they also contribute probiotics and introduce a novel facet of texture to pizza.
Fermentation Celebration, our latest pizza creation, layers homemade sauerkraut and kimchi with gorgonzola cheese, capped off with a sweet local honey drizzle to soften the acidity. It's an unconventional mix, but it's swiftly climbing the ranks in popularity among our specialty selections.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-forward diets has led to increased demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Plant-based toppings now extend beyond your typical garden fare, offering meat-like options that defy expectations.
Items like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, savory marinated tempeh, jackfruit transformed to pulled pork style, and pea-protein-based pepperoni have found their home on our menu. These toppings are chosen not just by vegetarians but by those drawn to their distinct tastes and lighter impact on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza lovers with a penchant for spice are celebrating the embrace of unique chili variants over standard pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies are still popular, we're now seeing hot offerings like Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies, aji amarillo with its fruity undertones, and Korean gochujang sauce scattered atop pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza invites diners on a gastronomic journey, featuring a quartet of these complementary chilies, each lending a distinct taste to the pizza. This fiery experience is particularly a hit among our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged elements are the next step in the farm-to-table trend, with wild ingredients finding a place on top of pizzas. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, lead this trend as they show up on menus corresponding with their natural growing seasons.
We're also incorporating wild ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These natural finds offer flavors impossible to replicate with farmed produce and establish a connection to the wilderness for our diners.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delightful sweet and savory blend has secured its spot on the pizza topping scene. Following the wave of hot honey's success, 2023 ushers in specialty honey variants that are drizzled over pizzas before they're served.
Options like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky honey with a mesquite flavor, and honey with CBD infusion are popping up in dining establishments nationwide. These honeys lend a sophisticated twist and can elevate even simple pizzas to a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that didn't quite make our top five but still deserve a mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza to create a rich top layer
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums standing out
- Whole grains like crispy farro or puffed sorghum to add a crunchy texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, using varieties like cultured or herb-infused butter for extra flavor
Whether you stick with the time-honored favorites or are eager to try novel flavor unions, pizza retains its cherished adaptability and popularity. At VelvetPineCorner, we pay homage to tradition as well as welcome innovation—you'll find both the classic and the avant-garde on our menu.
Have you experienced any of these trendsetting toppings? Or perhaps you have a unique pairing in mind that you’d like us to try? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!