As pizza continues to evolve, 2023 introduces new trends that capture pizza connoisseurs' palates. At SilverUptown, we constantly observe global preferences in pizza toppings. Here are this year's favorite toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's increasing popularity has introduced fermented veggies as surprising yet beloved pizza toppings. The complex, tangy flavors of Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are proving to be perfect complements to the creamy cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings not only offer benefits for your gut but also add exciting new textures to the pizza experience.
Our innovative Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases our homemade kimchi, sauerkraut, and gorgonzola cheese, and is finished off with a honey sourced locally to neutralize the sourness. It's an uncommon mix but has swiftly become a top seller.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets doesn't miss pizza, as we've noticed a surge in customer interest towards pizzas adorned with meat substitutes. Moving beyond traditional vegetable toppings, the market has seen the introduction of inventive plant-based proteins that appeal to even the most ardent meat fans.
We now offer such items as crumbled Italian sausage made from plants, marinated jackfruit substituting for pulled pork, tempeh seasoned in Italian spices, and pepperoni made from pea protein. These toppings appeal not just to vegetarians, but also to those who appreciate their distinct tastes and health benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a spicy kick are being treated to specific varieties of regional chilies, steering away from the generic red pepper flakes. Chilies such as Calabrian, the smoky Spanish ñora, Aleppo peppers, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are being featured on pizzas for their unique flavors.
Our Global Heat pizza invites you on a spice-filled journey with four different chilies each offering a distinct flavor to the pizza. This specialty has been particularly favored by our diners who crave adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm to table has matured into forest-to-pizza thanks to the blossoming trend of using foraged ingredients that mirror the seasons. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which are used in pizza toppings during their peak seasons.
We're also using seasonal ingredients such as wild leeks (known as ramps), sea veggies like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic touch. These toppings forge a connection between nature and our customers, offering tastes that can't be replicated with farm-grown counterparts.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has solidified its role as more than just a fleeting fad in the world of pizza, with its sweet-savory contrast finding strong footing. Building on hot honey's success, the year 2023 welcomes a variety of specialty honey, like truffle, fermented garlic, mesquite smoked, and other gourmet varieties as toppings right before serving.
These honey types add a layer of sophistication and can transform even the simplest of pizza to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly made the top list and remain popular include:
- Grated cured egg yolks sprinkled over pizzas
- Pickled seasonal fruits, specifically stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for added crunch, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Unique butters, including those that are cultured or infused with herbs
Whether your taste leans towards time-honored classics or you're open to trying out innovative flavors, pizza remains the quintessential customizable dish. At SilverUptown, we respect traditional recipes and simultaneously welcome novel culinary ideas, which is why our menu includes both Margherita pizzas and pioneering creations.
Which of these top toppings have you sampled? Do you have a unique favorite combination that you'd like us to consider? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!