Each year unveils new gustatory trends in the pizza realm, and 2023 is no different. We at QuietLanes are keen observers of the flavors capturing the hearts of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our list of the top exciting and in-demand pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains focus, fermented veggies have surprisingly become a smash hit on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing complex sour flavors that balance out the cheesy, saucy goodness. They're not just gut-friendly; they add new textural contrasts to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts house-prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a touch of local honey to even out the zestiness. It's an unconventional pair, yet it's swiftly risen to be a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets are on the rise, leading to an uptick in pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitutes. These aren't your typical vegetable toppings; the advancements in plant proteins are satisfying even the most ardent carnivores.
Options such as plant-sourced Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit in lieu of pork, and pea protein based pepperoni now feature in our offerings. These additions cater not only to vegetarians but also to customers seeking distinctive tastes and a less heavy meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave spiciness, 2023 has witnessed pizza lovers embracing distinct regional chili types over general red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have kept their popularity from the past, newer varieties like fragrant Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now gracing pizzas everywhere.
Our spicy Global Heat pizza incorporates an assortment of four diverse chilies, each infusing its unique heat and flavor profile into distinct areas of the pizza. It's particularly well-liked among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table momentum has transitioned into forest-to-pizza, thanks to foraged ingredients' ascent in popularity. Leading the way are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, available during their specific seasons.
Additionally, we've experimented with wild leeks, sea greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips, creating an aromatic essence. These natural elements connect eaters to the environment and offer irreplicable tastes.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The enduring allure of honey's sweet-to-savory balance has graduated beyond passing fad status. Specialty honey types drizzled on pizzas right before serving have exploded in variety this year.
Truffle-infused honey, garlic fermented honey, smoky mesquite, and CBD-honey - these variants bring complexity and gourmet flair to even the simplest pizza selections.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are nonetheless leaving their mark include:
- Cured eggy yolks, zested over pizzas to create a rich umami dusting
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as cherries and apricots
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Gourmet butter drops, especially varieties like cultured or herbed
Whether you favor timeless classics or are inclined to experimental flavor combinations, pizza remains the endlessly adaptable and universal favorite. At QuietLanes, we value the classics while embracing the new, which is why we serve both the iconic Margherita and innovative creations.
Have you experienced any of these contemporary toppings? Or is there a distinctive favorite you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!