With each year, the pizza scene witnesses a wave of exciting new flavors, and 2023 is no different. At SilentWoodGlade, we keep a keen eye on the flavors that are enchanting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to present a list of the top pizza toppings dominating the scene currently.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The push for digestive health has led to an unexpected trend of fermented veggies landing on pizzas. Ingredients like kimchi, pickled cabbage, and garnishing onions lend a bold tang that nicely offsets the creamy pizza cheese and savory sauce. These zesty additions bring not only probiotics to your meal but also add a new layer of texture to the standard pizza fare.
Take for example our Fermentation Fiesta pizza—it combines a selection of in-house fermented cabbage, spicy Korean vegetables, and a sharp gorgonzola, all harmonized with a hint of sweet honey. Sounds unconventional? Perhaps, but it's fast becoming a firm favorite among our special pizza offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people embrace a plant-centric diet, we've noticed a growing appetite for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond usual veggies, advancements in plant-derived proteins have introduced alternatives capable of winning over even the most die-hard carnivores.
Options such as crumbled Italian sausage substitutes, seasoned whole food protein sources like tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein slices akin to pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These aren't just for those who eschew meat—these toppings appeal to a range of customers for their distinctive flavors and gentler impact on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with an affinity for spicy flavors, take note: 2023 is the year of regional chili varieties stepping up in place of generic spice options. While Calabrian chilies preserve their popularity, unique variants like the fruity Aleppo chili, the smoky Spanish ñora, the tropical Peruvian aji amarillo, and the flavorful Korean gochujang are finding their way onto our pizzas.
Our World of Spice pizza lets you explore a range of these chilies, each bringing its distinctive heat and flavor to the pizza. It's an inviting option for those who love a bit of culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
We're observing a movement from farm-to-table to a more direct connection of forest-to-pizza, propelled by the trend towards foraged seasonal items. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, with sought-after varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake gracing our pizzas at peak season.
Other wild ingredients we're featuring include early-season wild ramps, ocean-sourced greens like dulse and nori, and even the spruce tip for an aromatic twist. Such wild-crafted toppings create a connection with the wilderness and offer induplicable flavors that aren't found in the cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors of honey have firmly cemented their place on the pizza scene. This year, there's been an uptick in special varieties of honey being drizzled over pizzas right before serving to enhance the taste experience.
Options such as honey with the essence of truffles, honey infused with aged garlic, honey carrying the warmth of mesquite, and even honey blended with CBD are making their mark on pizza menus nationwide. These unique finishes add sophistication and can turn a simple pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
We must also mention a few toppings that are close contenders in our top list but still deserve recognition:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like a dusting of gold
- Marinated fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and apricots standing out
- Ancient grain garnishes, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Dabs of artisan butter, including varieties cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you're a purist who cherishes timeless recipes or an explorer eager to sample novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At SilentWoodGlade, we balance a respect for time-honored methods with a spirit of culinary creativity—hence our menu features both classic and avant-garde pie selections.
Have you tried any of these top topping trends? Or maybe you have an unusual topping combo you'd love to see us try? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you drop by!