As each year passes, the pizza industry sees new trends in flavors, and 2023 is no different. At BasicRootery, it's our job to keep an eye on what toppings are taking over the pizza aficionado's palette. Here, we've compiled the list of the top pizza toppings that have been a sensation this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains importance, fermented vegetables are making a splash on pizzas. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a complex tang to the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings don't just taste great, they also offer probiotic benefits and an exciting twist in texture.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie, adorned with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, and then drizzled with local honey to soften the sour notes, has swiftly climbed the ranks to become a top request.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With more people adopting plant-based diets, there's been a noticeable increase in the desire for pizzas with meat-free substitutes. These aren't your run-of-the-mill veggie toppings; recent advancements in plant-based protein create alternatives that have meat enthusiasts coming back for more.
Our offerings now include plant-derived Italian sausage pieces, flavored tempeh, jackfruit seasoned to mimic pulled pork, and a pea protein pepperoni. These options are enjoyed by all for their distinct taste and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a fondness for fiery foods will find that 2023 has welcomed a wide array of specific regional chilies in place of the average crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be favored, we've also introduced Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang to our pizzas.
Our International Spice pizza puts the spotlight on these distinct chilies, dedicating each quadrant of the pie to a different type. It's a hot favorite amongst our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as the farm-to-table concept has now ventured further with foraged ingredients sourced straight from nature's bounty gracing pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each taking their time on the menu according to their season.
Our wild ingredient exploration hasn't stopped here; we've experimented with wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips, imparting a unique scent while offering flavors that cultivated alternatives cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey drizzles have secured their place in the pizza world, creating that sought-after sweet and savory combination. This year has seen a boom in specialty honeys, enhancing the pizza experience right at the moment of serving.
We're now seeing an array of honeys such as truffle infused, garlic fermented, smoky mesquite, and even those infused with CBD, all making their way to pizzas nationwide. These honeys serve as the final touch that turns a straightforward pie into a high-end delight.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that have piqued interest but didn't make the top five include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated atop the pizza like an amber-hued blizzard
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, including cultured or herb-infused variations
Regardless of whether you hold the classics dear or are open to exploring innovative flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At BasicRootery, we value time-honored traditions as much as we celebrate new creations; hence, you'll discover both the good old Margherita and avant-garde pizzas alike on our menu.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your fancy, or do you have a special topping combination in mind that you'd love to see on our menu? Drop us a comment or let us know during your next visit!