As trends evolve yearly in the pizza realm, 2023 has brought fresh tastes to the forefront. At RiverPassage, we keep a close eye on the global preferences of pizza aficionados. Here's a list of the most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings that are trending this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are welcoming a health-oriented twist with fermented vegetables rising to stardom on pizzas. The bold flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are meshing well with the traditional creamy cheese and tangy sauce. Fermented toppings aren't just enhancing the flavor profiles but also offering textural surprises and probiotic advantages.
Fermentation Fiesta is our latest creation, loaded with our in-house sauerkraut, tangy kimchi, and rich gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a touch of local sweet honey. It may seem like an unconventional mix, but it's swiftly gaining popularity as one of our signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of plant-based diets is apparent with a notable uptick in pizzas adorned with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond typical veggies, the advent of plant-based proteins has brought forth options that even traditional meat fans can appreciate.
Varieties like plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit styled as pulled pork, and pepperoni made from pea protein, are now staples in our offerings. These toppings aren't limited to vegetarians; in fact, they are chosen for their distinctive tastes and a lighter feeling after indulging.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year, those with a penchant for spice are favoring specific regional chilies over the generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still in demand from past years, yet we're now seeing a variety of chilies like the smoky ñora from Spain, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza presents a diverse mix of these chilies, with each variety contributing its signature heat and taste to every slice. It's become a preferred choice for customers looking for a tantalizing and spicy experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as farm-to-table has now ventured into the realm of forest-to-table, with wild-foraged ingredients making their way onto pizzas. Leading this trend are various wild mushrooms that come into season, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods.
We're also exploring wild greens like ramps, seaweeds including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These flavours offer a connection to the wild outdoors and provide tastes that aren't achieved through traditional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Adding a hint of honey to the savory aspect of pizza has become a lasting practice. Coming from the roots of hot honey's fame in previous years, 2023 has embraced a surge of unique honey variants, drizzled atop pizzas right before they're served.
Drizzles ranging from truffle-infused honey, garlic honey undergoing fermentation, rich smoky mesquite honey, and more are being introduced. These drizzles aren't simple toppings; they add a level of sophistication, transforming even basic pizzas into gourmet masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that didn't make the primary list but deserve mention for their popularity include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, resembling fine golden dust across the pizza
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Unique grains, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum, for added crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, specifically those that are cultured or blended with herbs
No matter if you're a pizza purist or someone who enjoys daring new flavor pairings, pizza continues to reign as a versatile and universally cherished dish. At RiverPassage, we respect the classics while also fostering culinary creativity, evident in our menu boasting both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde pizzas.
Have you indulged in any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have an unconventional combination you’d like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to RiverPassage.