As chefs innovate and flavors evolve, the pizza landscape is subject to change with each new year. Here at GentleVerge, we keep a close eye on the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Allow us to present the top pizza toppings of 2023 that have gained a following.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a rise in gut health awareness, we're seeing an increased use of fermented vegetables atop our pies. Favorites like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a zesty tang that pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses and savory sauces. These toppings aren't just tastebud tinglers; they also introduce a burst of probiotics and a novel texture.
Try our Fermentation Fest pizza, decked with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all drizzled with local honey to soften the tang. It may sound odd, but it's soared to the top of our specialty pies list.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-forward diets are going mainstream, and the demand for pizzas with inventive meat substitutes is on the rise. Alternatives that go beyond the usual veggies are making their mark, offering satisfaction for meat enthusiasts and vegetarians alike.
Our menu now boasts items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings are appealing not just for their ethical benefits but also for their distinctive flavors and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those seeking a spicy kick are turning to specific chili varietals rather than the generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a favorite, we're now incorporating spices like the smoky ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo peppers, and Korean gochujang into our pizzas.
Discover our Global Heat pizza, a quadrant of regional chilies providing a world tour of spiciness. This pizza caters to our daring customers' penchant for heat.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The forest-to-table movement is influencing pizza menus with an array of wild, seasonal ingredients. Leading the pack are mushrooms such as chanterelles and morels, which appear when in season.
Additionally, we're utilizing ingredients like wild ramps, oceanic greens, including dulse and nori, and the distinct fragrance of spruce tips to bring unique, natural flavors to our pizzas.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory from honey on pizza has solidified its place as a mainstay. In 2023, we've seen a surge of special honeys being used as finishing drizzles after baking.
Our latest offerings include toppings like truffle-infused honey, garlic honey, and other gourmet varieties, adding a sophisticated flair and deepening the flavors of even the simplest pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are also garnering interest, despite not making the top five:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a rich umami flavor
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and cherries, offering a tangy twist
- Ancient grains, adding crunch with crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet butter dollops, known for enhancing flavors with herbs or cultured varieties
Pizza remains an endlessly adaptable and universally adored dish, whether you're drawn to the traditional or inclined towards innovation. We at GentleVerge honor the classics while also exploring new flavor frontiers. You'll find both timeless Margheritas and boundary-pushing creations on our menu.
Are you intrigued by these trending pizza adornments? What unique toppings would you suggest we incorporate next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or let us know when you come by!