Each new year unveils fresh pizza topping fads, and 2023 is no different. At VelvetStoneCube, we consistently observe the flavors capturing the interest of pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue for this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzas are now featuring fermented veggies, a testament to the growing emphasis on gut health. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their intricate tart tastes, perfectly offsetting the creamy textures of cheese and the savory pizza sauces. These toppings aren't just a source of probiotics but also add a new layer of textures to the classic pizza experience.
Our innovative Fermentation Fête pie includes our own sauerkraut and kimchi with sharp gorgonzola, all harmonized with a drizzle of regional honey that softens the sour notes. This quirky combination is swiftly gaining ground as a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets become even more mainstream, we're observing an uptick in plant-based protein toppings that mimic traditional meats. These new offerings are enticing not just vegetarians but also carnivores looking for a novel taste and a meal that's easier on the digestion.
We now serve plant-based ingredients imitating classic Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni. These alternatives have become staple items on our menu.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza lovers with a penchant for heat are celebrating the inclusion of distinct regional chili varieties over the more generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain a constant favorite, while the adoption of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang is on the rise.
Our Global Heat pie is an exquisite blend of four unique regional chilies, offering a vibrant spectrum of flavors for the daring palate.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal ingredients sourced from the wild are gaining in pizza topping popularity. Pizzas are adorned with a variety of wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear during their growing seasons.
We've ventured beyond just mushrooms, experimenting with foraged ramps (wild leeks), sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that impart a novel aromatic essence. These nature-sourced ingredients connect customers to the wilderness and offer flavors hard to replicate in a commercial setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in accentuating the pizza's sweet and savory aspects has transitioned from a fleeting trend to a staple delight. Hot honey has paved the way for various unique honey varieties now garnishing pizzas, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey, elevating simple pizzas to artisanal levels.
Honorable Mentions
Other innovative toppings that are close contenders in our list but haven't quite made the top five are:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded over the pizza for a luxurious touch
- Pickled fruits, with a special nod to stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heirloom grain garnishes, including crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added crunch
- Artisanal butter dabs, like cultured or herbed butter varieties for richness
Whether your preference leans towards time-honored toppings or you're eager to explore bold and novel flavors, pizza's versatility continues to endear it to many. At VelvetStoneCube, we celebrate the classics while championing contemporary tastes, which is why our menu features both the iconic Margherita and the avant-garde pies.
What are your thoughts on these trendy toppings? Do you have a custom favorite you'd like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments section or on your next visit!