Each year introduces novel culinary sensations to the pizza scene, and 2023 stands out with its innovative offerings. At StillMarsh, we keep a close eye on flavors that win over pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are this year's most sought-after pizza toppings that are all the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Consciousness about digestive wellness has propelled fermented vegetables onto pizzas, offering a delectable surprise. Flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a zesty complexity that harmonizes with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. Not just digestible delights, these toppings add an intriguing textural dimension to classic pizzas.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our establishment combines in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a finishing touch of local honey to soften the sharp flavors. It might be unconventional, but it's winning the hearts of our customers rapidly.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets are taking hold in culinary preferences, evident in the booming demand for meat substitute toppings on pizzas. Moving beyond typical veggies, plant-derived protein innovations offer choices that impress even ardent carnivores.
Items like vegan Italian sausage bits, savory tempeh, jackfruit styled as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have made their way onto our standard offerings. These alternatives are not simply for the vegan community—our traditional patrons enjoy them for a distinctive taste and gentler digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who pursue spiciness, 2023 has celebrated a preference for unique regional chilies over the commonplace crushed red pepper. While Calabrian peppers retain their fame, we're now seeing an influx of distinct chilies like the smoky Spanish ñora pepper, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
International Sizzle is a pizza we offer that's adorned with a diverse selection of four chilies. Assembled to represent a different region on each slice, it has become a hit with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from forest to pizza has become increasingly popular with the rise of seasonal foraged produce. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, appearing on pizzas when in season.
Our explorations extend to wild ramps, marine plants like dulse and nori, and even pine tips, imparting a unique forest hint. These picks offer a connection to the wild and bring to the table flavors that can't be replicated by cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory characteristics provided by honey has expanded beyond a fad. Specialized honey variants, not just the famously spicy honey, are being liberally applied to pizzas. Offerings include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey enriched with CBD, each bringing new layers of complexity and upgrading even the simplest pizza creations to culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn't make our top list, these additional toppings are still causing a stir:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated onto the pizza for a decadent finish
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plumbs adding a tangy twist
- Topical whole grains, for instance, crispy farro or sorghum, for added crunch
- Exquisite dollops of artisanal butter, from cultured to herbed variations
No matter if you're a purist or are open to new, audacious flavor mixtures, pizza remains a universal and cherished dish. At StillMarsh, we pay homage to the classics and are enthusiastic about innovation, which is why our selection includes the timeless Margherita as well as avant-garde options.
Have these trending toppings passed your taste test? Do you harbor a unique combo you're eager to see in our selection? Give us your thoughts in the comments, or discuss them when you stop by!