As each new year arrives, it presents fresh tastes in the realm of pizza toppings, and 2023 has been no different. At LowridgeMeadow Pizzeria, we stay on the pulse of what's tantalizing the palates of pizza aficionados everywhere. Here, we present a curated list of the most sensational and beloved pizza toppings that have emerged this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health considerations have invaded pizza shops, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected star on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing a complex, tart savour that balances out the creamy cheese and sauce duo. These toppings not only bring probiotic goodness but also add new layers of texture to classic pizza.
Offering a Fermentation Fiesta pizza, we plate up in-house sauerkraut and kimchi with gorgonzola cheese, and a touch of local honey to offset the sour notes. Though it might sound offbeat, it's swiftly climbing the charts as one of our in-demand signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-centric diets persists, and with it, a jumping demand for pizzas crowned with inventive non-meat options. Stepping beyond the garden-variety toppings, plant-based proteins bring a selection that even satisfies the staunchest meat enthusiasts.
Toppings such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, marinated pulled pork from jackfruit, and pepperoni from pea protein now grace our menu. These alternative proteins appeal not only to vegetarians but also to customers interested in distinct flavors and a more digestible eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Flavors
For those who lust after heat, 2023 has seen pizza lovers gravitate toward specific chilies from various regions instead of relying on basic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their hold on popularity, varieties like the spicy Aleppo, smoky ñora from Spain, the fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are now bursting onto the pizza scene.
Our Global Heat pizza assembles a quartet of diverse regional chilies, each quadrant featuring a distinct fiery flavor. It's a zesty quest that's finding particular acclaim among our intrepid eaters.
4. Foraged Seasonal Additions
The farm-to-table concept has translated into forest-to-table, with foraged seasonal items winning over pizza fans. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing atop pizzas during their specific growing seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been integrating spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a unique fragrant characteristic. These naturally harvested items connect our customers with the wild while offering tastes that you simply can't find in farmed produce.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory that honey offers has been solidified as more than just a fleeting trend. Advancing from the widespread appeal of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge in specialty honey varieties used as a final touch on pizzas.
Distinctive honeys like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-free honey are popping up on culinary scenes nationwide. These final drizzles bring depth and transform even the simplest pizza recipes into a gourmet experience.
Noteworthy Extras
Other adornments that didn't quite make our top tier but are still creating a stir include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like a golden dusting
- Marinated stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crunchy grains, like crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, especially those cultured or blended with fragrant herbs
Regardless if you're a purist who cherishes the time-honored toppings or a culinary adventurer eager for novel flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At LowridgeMeadow Pizzeria, we celebrate the venerable traditions while welcoming culinary creativity—that's why both the quintessential Margherita and the avant-garde pies are part of our offering.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings yet? Or perhaps you harbor a distinctive favorite blend you'd like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!