As each year unfolds, new flavors make their way onto the pizza scene, and 2023 is no different. Here at EveningTrail, keeping tabs on what's delighting pizza aficionados worldwide is part of our business. We're excited to present a list of this year's top trending pizza toppings that are creating a buzz.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a priority in pizzerias, leading to an unexpected surge in fermented vegetables on pizza. With their tangy flavors, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are the perfect contrast to the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings are not just tasty but also add probiotic perks and introduce new textures to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Celebration pizza is a new addition, loaded with our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all tinged with a touch of local honey to counteract the sourness. This unique blend has rapidly risen to the top of our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of plant-based diets isn't slowing down, shown by the growing popularity of meatless protein options on our pizzas. These aren't just your regular veggies; our novel plant-based proteins include Italian sausage substitutes, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein that stands in for pepperoni, offering new flavors without the heavy feeling post-pizza.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are discovering a new love for distinct chili varieties on their pizzas, moving beyond the usual crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, spices like the rich Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also making their mark.
Our Global Heat pizza is a spicy excursion, showcasing a quartet of these unique chilies, each imparting different flavor notes to every slice. This fiery creation is particularly popular among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
From the forest to your plate, foraged ingredients have shot up in demand thanks to the interest in locally sourced and seasonal produce. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that become pizza toppings during their season.
We've also integrated wild ramps, various sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, all offering an immersive nature-infused taste that cannot be replicated by cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has secured its place in the world of pizza with the delightful sweet-savory flavor it brings to the slice. The current year has witnessed a range of specialty honeys, including options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, rich mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey, making for an aromatic and gourmet outcome.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn't make the top five, these additional toppings are still causing a stir:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for an umami kick
- Pickled produce such as peaches and plums for a tangy twist
- Crunchy grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Spreads of boutique butter, including varied types like cultured or mixed with herbs
Regardless of whether you're someone who sticks to conventional choices or you're open to exploratory new flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and beloved dishes globally. EveningTrail pays homage to classic recipes while also venturing into innovative culinary creations, evidenced by our broad range from the timeless Margherita to avant-garde specialized pizzas.
Have these trending toppings piqued your interest, or do you have a distinct topping combination you wish to see us make? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tell us about it during your next visit!