Every new year heralds a fresh wave of culinary fads in the pizza universe, and 2023 is following suit. At OrchardBites, we keep our finger on the pulse of what's tantalizing the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Discover our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are stirring excitement this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health retains consumer focus, fermented veggies are becoming an unlikely star atop pizzas. Adding a nuanced tang are toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, which perfectly pair with the creamy richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented delights contribute not only probiotic advantages but also introduce a novel texture to standard pizzas.
For instance, our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a type of blue cheese, all balanced out with a touch of local honey to offset the sharpness. While it may be an atypical blend, it's swiftly growing into one of our most popular specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-centric diets has not missed the pizza industry, and the call for meat-free alternatives on pizza is climbing. Branching out from usual veggie toppings, innovative plant-based proteins are now catering to the palates of even the staunchest carnivores.
We now regularly offer toppings like plant-based crumbles resembling Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and a pea protein product similar to pepperoni. These alternatives aren't solely for vegetarians; numerous patrons select them for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Fans of fiery flavors are celebrating as pizza lovers in 2023 have started preferring specific regional chilies over generic chili flakes. Calabrian chilies remain a staple from past years, but we are also seeing a trend toward choices like the Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruit-forward Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our International Zest pizza offers a combination of four distinctive regional chilies, each adding its own burst of flavor to the pizza's quadrants. It's a hit with our clientele who crave a spicy foray into diverse cuisines.
4. Seasonal Foraged Components
The farm-to-fork concept has expanded, with seasonal foraged items rising to popularity. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showcased during their peak seasons.
Other experimented elements include spring ramps (wild garlic), oceanic plants like dulse and nori, and spruce tips that lend a distinctive fragrance. These natural components create a connection with the earth while offering irreplaceable tastes that can't be found in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory that honey provides has secured its position beyond a mere culinary fad. Following the trend of spicy honey from prior years, 2023 has heralded a variety of exotic honey types that are being drizzled over pizzas right before they're served.
Honey infused with truffle, fermented garlic honey, honey rich with smoky mesquite, and even CBD-enhanced honey are being added to menus nationwide. These final touches contribute layers of complexity, taking even basic pizza recipes to new heights of sophistication.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn't make our top list but are certainly making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a velvety finish
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain enhancements, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, particularly those that are cultured or infused with herbs
Whether you're a purist devoted to traditional toppings or someone who enjoys experimenting with novel flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes globally. At OrchardBites, we honor time-honored methods while welcoming new innovations—evident from both the classic Margherita and avant-garde pizzas on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trend-setting toppings? Or perhaps you have a unique favorite combination you wish to see on our menu? Let us know in the comments below or during your next visit!