With each new year, new culinary fads emerge in the realm of pizza, and 2023 stands out with its unique flavors. At MeadowAnchor, our continual observation of global pizza aficionado preferences has resulted in a selection of the year's most sensational and sought-after toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health emphasis is now apparent in pizzerias, with fermented veggies like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickled onions bringing unexpected zesty notes that seamlessly match the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Besides probiotic advantages, these toppings offer a novel texture experience to pizza.
The introduction of our Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped off with a splash of local honey to offset the sourness. Though seemingly unconventional, this pizza is quickly soaring in demand among our array of unique pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people opt for plant-based diets, the desire for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes has grown. Moving on from traditional veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based protein mimics has brought meats that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
We're proud to feature plant-derived Italian sausage pieces, flavored tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea-protein pepperoni as staples in our menu. These unique toppings attract not just vegetarians but also health-conscious customers due to their distinct tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a fiery flavor, 2023 has marked an enthusiasm for specific regional chili peppers rather than the common crushed red pepper. Despite Calabrian chilies keeping their enduring appeal, varieties such as Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now frequent pizza contenders.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a quartet of diverse chilies, with each lending its singular flavor aspect to each quarter of the pizza, a spicy escapade popular among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The leap from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza is characterized by the surge of seasonally foraged items. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showcasing in pizzas during their peak seasons.
Additionally, explorations with wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), seaweeds such as dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips, contribute an inimitable aromatic essence. These wild-foraged components offer a connection to nature while gracing consumers with incomparable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The alternating bites of sweet and savoury provided by honey drizzles have secured a permanent spot in the world of pizza toppings. Following the trend set by spicy honey, 2023 welcomes a diversity of specialty honey types that are drizzled right before serving.
Options such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD have become part of innovation on pizzeria menus. These sophisticated drizzles add depth and turn even simple pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but continue to stir interest include:
- Cured egg yolks grated finely across the pizza for a delicate umami shower
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Heritage grains offering crunch like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Specialty butter spots, particularly those artisan-crafted with herbs or cultured varieties
Regardless if you're a purist who treasures time-honored classics or a pioneer eager for new flavor blends, pizza remains among the most universally cherished and versatile dishes. At MeadowAnchor, we pay homage to tradition while endorsing innovation, thus you'll discover both the traditional Margherita and novel specialty pizzas on our selection.
Do any of these trendy toppings catch your interest? Or maybe there's a distinctive topping combo you're eager to see? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!