Continually evolving food trends introduce new toppings that pizza enthusiasts are eager to try, and the year 2023 has brought unique flavors into the spotlight. At MistyLochView, we stay ahead by tracking these global gastronomic preferences. Below, we present the most in-demand and inspiring pizza toppings of this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has claimed a place in the world of pizza with an unexpected rise of fermented vegetables. Offering exciting textures and sharp, tangy tastes, options like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add complex flavors and probiotic advantages.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we offer, which includes home-prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a sweetening drizzle of regional honey, is an unconventional mix that's winning our customers over.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has resulted in an upswing in plant-derived protein toppings that cater to both vegetarians and avid carnivores. We now frequently serve pizzas topped with such innovative substitutes as seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit, pea protein pepperoni, and plant-based Italian sausage crumbles for their distinct tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is the year for those craving heat on their pizzas to celebrate, as pizza lovers now prefer authentic regional chili varieties over standard pepper flakes. With Calabrian chilies remaining a favorite, we also see the rise of spices such as Aleppo pepper, ñora chilies, aji amarillo, and gochujang.
The Worldly Spice pizza we serve is a spicy odyssey with four different chilies, each adding its own distinct burst of flavor, and it's especially embraced by our bold-flavored seekers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has expanded to include foraged-to-pizza, thanks to the trend of using wild-foraged, seasonal ingredients. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels, appearing based on seasonal availability.
We're also experimenting with wild leeks, sea vegetables such as dulse, and aromatic spruce tips, natural ingredients that offer unmatched flavors you can't find commercially produced.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has created a steadfast appeal in the realm of pizza toppings, providing a delightful contrast of sweet and savory. The current year has seen the introduction of various specialty honey varieties like truffle honey and fermented garlic honey, which are drizzled onto pizzas, transforming even the simplest of pies into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
While not making the top five, a few additional toppings have been causing waves:
- Cured egg yolks, which are finely grated over pizza, creating a velvety garnish
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Toppings from heritage grains, like crispy spelt or puffed sorghum, add an interesting crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, particularly those that are cultured or combined with herbs
Pizza's versatility makes it a beloved dish worldwide, whether you have a penchant for classic recipes or crave experimental tastes. At MistyLochView, we honor timeless flavors while wholeheartedly embracing innovation, offering both traditional Margherita and trailblazing pizza creations.
Have you had the chance to taste these latest toppings? Or perhaps you have a novel topping combination in mind that you'd love to see us introduce? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!