As each new year unfolds, the pizza industry sees fresh trends emerging, and 2023 has its own unique lineup. At ShadowSizzleGreen, keeping an eye on what's winning over pizza connoisseurs is our priority. Here we unveil this year's top loved pizza toppings causing a stir worldwide.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has transitioned into the pizza scene, where fermented vegetables have carved out a niche. Offerings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing a zesty depth to the traditionally rich cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only a source of probiotics but also add a new layer of texture to the standard pizza fare.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie, topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, and a hint of local honey, is becoming a fast favorite despite its unconventional profile.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets are making headway, leading to a surge in the demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. A myriad of plant-based proteins such as plant-based sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit in a 'pulled pork' style, and pea protein 'pepperoni' have found their place on our menu. Designed to entice, these alternatives are chosen for their distinct tastes and are easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who cherish a touch of heat, this year has embraced particular chili varieties, moving beyond the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity, we are now witnessing the introduction of chilies like the Arabian Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora, sweet aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Global Heat is a pizza offering that brings together the distinctive character of four diverse chilies, giving each quarter of the pizza a unique spicy taste. This pizza has found favor with our boldest customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has evolved, taking a leap into the wild with the rising trend of foraging seasonal ingredients. Leading the charge are various types of wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear atop pizzas in their peak seasons.
We've also been experimenting with wild ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, all of which offer a unique sensory experience bridging diners with nature and providing unrivaled flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness against savory profiles has secured its position in the industry. Moving beyond the familiar hot honey, the current year has seen a diversity of specialty honeys drizzled atop pizzas just before they're served.
Options such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey are making waves. Applying these honeys can transform an ordinary pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few other toppings that nearly made our top list but deserve mention for their popularity:
- Aged egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich taste
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Historic grain toppings such as spelt crisps or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter spots, including cultured or signature herb-infused butters
Whether your taste leans towards the timeless classics or the thrill of novel pairings, pizza remains a widely loved and adaptable dish. At ShadowSizzleGreen, we pay homage to time-honored recipes while eagerly exploring new culinary horizons, ensuring that our selection caters to both traditional and avant-garde palates.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a unique favorite combo you'd like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us during your next visit!