Pizza culture annually introduces fresh gastronomical fads, and the year 2023 follows suit. At PantryQuiet, we keep an eye on the pulse of the pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to share this year's most buzzworthy and delectable pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastric wellness has infiltrated the pizza scene, with fermented greens like kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions lending pizzas a surprise burst of zesty flavor. These toppings don't just add probiotic virtues but also an intriguing twist in texture to the traditional slice.
The innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our establishment showcases home-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all smoothed over with a local honey drizzle that perfectly offsets the zest. This mix, although novel, is fast becoming a favored choice amongst our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-driven culinary style holds its ground, we've seen a swell in the desire for pizzas that feature novel vegan meat replacements. Far beyond everyday veggie options, these new high-protein plant derivatives are winning over the palates of even the most dedicated carnivores.
On our current menu, vegan Italian sausage crumbs, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are prominent. These toppings aren't exclusive to plant-based diners; many opt for them due to their distinctive tastes and being easy on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice aficionados, celebrate! The year 2023 has welcomed a trend where pizza lovers opt for specific localized chili types over standard hot pepper sprinkles. Calabrian chilies persist in their acclaim, while we also see a flair for Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Wordly Spices is a pizza variety we offer that comprises a mosaic of four distinct regional chilies, each lending its own flavor profile to the pizza, a favorite among our patrons who favor culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The transition from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza denotes the incline towards naturally foraged, seasonal ingredients. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including the likes of chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showcased prominently during their peak seasons.
We've also taken to utilizing ingredients such as wild leeks (ramps), marine greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips known for their distinct scent. Through these, customers experience a profound connection to nature and taste profiles that can't be replicated in cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Unique honey varieties drizzled atop pizzas before serving continue to be more than a fleeting fancy. Complementing the once-popular spicy honey, the year 2023 has witnessed a surge in specialized honeys like truffle-infused, fermented garlic, mesquite-flavored, and other unique concoctions. These sweet final touches add a level of sophistication transforming even the simplest za into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
While the above toppings take the pizza podium, a few notables almost made the cut and deserve mention:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a touch of decadence
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone varieties such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter dabs, particularly those infused with culture or herbs for flavor enhancement
Be you a purist who venerates the timeless classics or a culinary pioneer eager to experiment with innovative flavors, pizza remains among the most versatile and treasured dishes worldwide. At PantryQuiet, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while wholeheartedly welcoming new trends, as seen by the vast range of options, from the iconic Margherita to our avant-garde signature pizzas.
Ever sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or have a distinct favorite combination you'd wish to see on our menu? Chime in on the comments or let us know during your next visit!