The pizza landscape is transformed annually with new taste sensations, and the year 2023 stands true to this evolution. At OakenSummit, we're keen observers of global pizza topping trends. This article presents our curated selection of the most buzzworthy pizza toppings that have taken the culinary scene by storm this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has made a notable impact on pizza culture with fermented vegetables emerging as the unexpected topping trend this year. Offerings such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a vibrant zing that pairs well with the indulgent cheese and tomato base. These fermented options not only enhance the pizza with their probiotic qualities but also add a novel textural layer to the pizza-eating experience.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts an array of in-house fermentations, including sauerkraut and kimchi, paired with gorgonzola cheese, topped off by a drizzle of artisanal honey for that perfect balance of sweet and sour. Though unconventional, this pizza combination has risen to be among our most sought-after gourmet items.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more individuals lean towards plant-based diets, there's been an upsurge in the demand for pizzas that showcase inventive meat-free options. More than just traditional veggie toppings, the advancement in plant-derived proteins has brought forth variants that even ardent carnivores find delightful.
Options like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit designed as “pulled pork,” and pea protein crafted into “pepperoni” slices are now staples in our offering. These alternatives captivate not only vegetarians but also those seeking diverse flavors and a lighter feel on the digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Lovers of spice are celebrating! The year 2023 has seen a shift from the ordinary red pepper flakes to an embrace of distinct regional chili varieties. While Calabrian chilies maintain their fame, diverse peppers like Aleppo, Spanish smoky ñora, Peruvian fruity aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are starting to feature prominently on pizzas.
Our International Spice Route pizza is a spicy composition, assembled with a quartet of these distinct regional chilies, each adding a unique flavor burst to the pizza. This spicy offering has garnered particular favor among our clientele who prefer culinary explorations.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging has extended the farm-to-table philosophy directly to pizza, with the inclusion of wild seasonal ingredients gaining momentum. At the forefront, an assortment of wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appears frequently, following their natural growing cycles.
In addition to mushrooms, our culinary experiments have led to the use of ingredients like wild ramps (wild garlic), sea vegetables including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an unconventional fragrant twist. These foraged treasures offer a connection to the wilderness and provide flavors that cannot be fabricated.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The allure of honey drizzled on pizza for a sweet versus savory taste profile has been solidified as more than a fleeting fancy. After the ascent of spicy honey, the year 2023 has witnessed a surge in interest for an array of unique honey types, applied as a finishing touch just before the pizza is served.
Varieties like truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, smoky mesquite honey, and revolutionary non-psychotropic-enhanced honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These fine drizzles contribute thoughtful complexity and have the ability to transform even the simplest pizza into a high-end experience.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few additional toppings that narrowly missed the top tier but are nonetheless causing ripples in the culinary domain:
- Delicately cured egg yolks, grated over the pizza creating a cascade of golden flakes
- Acidulated fruits, notably stone varieties like peaches and nectarines
- Artisan grains, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Gourmet dollops of specialty butter, including those infused with cultured herbs
Whether you favor time-honored classics or have the desire to sample innovative flavor pairings, pizza remains a highly adaptable and universally beloved dish. At OakenSummit, we honor timeless recipes while welcoming new culinary ideas—this is why our menu includes both the venerable Margherita and avant-garde gourmet pizzas.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your attention? Or perhaps you have a unique favorite mix you'd like to see featured? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!