As pizza aficionados eagerly anticipate each new year, 2023 has not disappointed, bringing with it a host of novel topping choices to the pizzeria landscape. Here at MeadowSpoon, it's our mission to stay ahead of the curve by spotting the toppings that are enchanting pizza enthusiasts worldwide. We're pleased to present our curated list of this year's most innovative and in-demand pizza topping selections.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Spotlighting digestive wellness, fermented veggies have unexpectedly stolen the spotlight on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their intricate sour notes, perfectly cutting through the rich flavors of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings add a probiotic punch along with intriguing new textural elements to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pie boasts a unique creation featuring homemade sauerkraut, tangy kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, all perfectly balanced with a drizzle of local honey. Though it may sound eclectic, this pizza is fast becoming a top pick among our unique offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-forward eating marches on, and pizza lovers have seen a marked upsurge in options for meat-replacing toppings. Going beyond ordinary veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have brought forward tastes that even staunch carnivores can appreciate.
We’ve rolled out savory options like crumbly plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit masquerading as “pulled pork,” and pea protein-based “pepperoni.” These offerings attract a broad audience, appealing not only to vegetarians but also to those seeking unique tastes and a lighter meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who prefer their pizza with an extra kick, 2023 has seen aficionados opting for specific regional chilies instead of the generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their run of popularity, new contenders like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are becoming increasingly common on top of pizzas.
Our “Global Heat” offering presents a diverse mixture of chilies from different regions, with each type lending its distinct heat and flavor to a quadrant of the pie. This pizza offers a fiery culinary journey for patrons with a penchant for heat.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-table has matured into a trend of forest-to-pizza, with the inclusion of seasonally foraged offerings gaining traction. Various wild mushrooms spearhead this movement, with sought-after varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooming up on menus in their peak seasons.
We’ve ventured even further by including springtime ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even pine-like spruce tips for a one-of-a-kind flavor infusion. These ingredients bring customers closer to nature while showcasing flavors that aren’t often seen in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory achieved through honey has become an enduring favorite, with 2023 witnessing a surge in exotic honey varieties gracing pizzas right before serving.
Exquisite options like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are finding their way onto pie charts nationwide. These finishing touches lend a sophisticated layer, transforming even simple recipes into gourmet fare.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings narrowly missed our top five yet still deserve a mention for the waves they're creating:
- Airing of cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a golden touch
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Wholesome grain garnishes like crispy farro or burst sorghum adding crunchy contrasts
- Gourmet butter dollops, including varieties imbued with herbs and cultures
No matter whether you find solace in the tried-and-true classics or you're a culinary adventurer looking for edgy flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At MeadowSpoon, we pay homage to traditional roots while wholeheartedly embracing novel creations; that’s why you’ll see both the timeless Margherita and more avant-garde specialties on our menu.
Which of these trendsetting toppings have made it to your must-try list? Maybe you’re contemplating a distinctive combination yourself that you’d love to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments, or discuss it with us during your next visit!