Each year, we bear witness to fresh trends in the realm of pizza toppings, and 2023 has its distinct offerings. At StoneFootway, we closely track the evolving preferences of pizza enthusiasts globally. Below, we present the trending toppings that are defining this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
Emphasis on digestive wellness has infiltrated pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring zesty, complex flavors that harmonize splendidly with the creamy texture of cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only rich in probiotics but also add a novel textural experience to the conventional pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza spotlights in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, all rounded off with a touch of regional honey to smooth out the sour flavors. It may sound like a peculiar combination, but it's fast becoming one of our most sought-after speciality creations.
2. Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
The ascendance of plant-based diets has precipitated an increased appetite for pizzas adorned with meat substitutes. Stepping beyond simple veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based meat alternatives has been catering to even the most ardent carnivores.
Alternatives like plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni are becoming staples on our menu. These aren’t just for vegetarians; a variety of clientele opt for these alternatives because of their distinctive tastes and less imposing effects after eating.
3. Exotic Chili Peppers
Those who covet heat on their pizza are in luck, as 2023 is the year that pizza buffs embraced specific and exotic chili peppers over the usual dusting of red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chili peppers remain a favored choice from past years, new entrants like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and rich Korean gochujang are also finding their way onto pizzas.
Our Global Heatwave pizza is a daring mix of these distinct chilies, delivering a distinct flavor profile to each section of the pie. It’s a fiery delight that's particularly popular with our patrons looking for a bold gustatory excursion.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
The connection from wilderness to pizza is becoming prevalent with the increased interest in wild foraged toppings. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms; such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms, which grace our pizzas during their respective seasons.
We're also venturing into wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, all of which provide a distinctive flavor that can’t be replicated by cultivated ingredients.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Sweet and savory combinations, credited to honey, have become a staple topping in recent years. The trend has continued into 2023, marked by a surge in special honey varieties being used as the final flourish on pizzas.
Luxurious truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey varieties are being introduced in pizzerias nationwide. These honeys function as a final touch that adds intrigue and transforms even plain pizza varieties into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that nearly made our top list but are still leaving a mark include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza surface for a touch of opulence
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as apricots and nectarines
- Ancient grain toppings, creating crunch with popped sorghum or crispy spelt
- Specialty butters, like cultured or flavored with herbs, adding richness in small portions
Regardless if you prefer timeless classics or aim to explore innovative fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At StoneFootway, we honor classic recipes while diving into new and creative offerings—that’s why both time-honored Margherita and forward-thinking speciality pizzas are available on our menu.
Have you had a chance to try any of these modern toppings? Or maybe you harbor a distinctive topping combination in mind that you'd wish to see us incorporate? We welcome your suggestions in the comments or during your next visit to our establishment!