As pizza continues to evolve, each year unveils new favorites that capture food enthusiasts' hearts. At PublicServiceDirectory, we closely track the evolving palates of our patrons. Let us present the top pizza topping trends that have taken 2023 by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains focus in the food industry, fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprising topping trend on pizzas. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a complex zest to the mix, complementing the cheesy, saucy base. These ingredients aren't only packed with probiotics, they also bring new textural layers to pizza.
The Fermentation Fest pie is a new introduction and features house-crafted sauerkraut and kimchi along with gorgonzola, all harmonized with a local honey drizzle to soften the zesty bite. This unique blend is swiftly rising to become a top request among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has led to a burgeoning demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Moving beyond basic veggies, the advent of plant-based proteins offers alternatives that can even tantalize the most ardent meat aficionados.
Toppings like plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni alternatives are now part of our varied offerings. These toppings attract not just vegetarians but also customers looking for diverse flavors and a lighter meal.
3. Regional Chilis
Lovers of fiery tastes will find solace in the trend of using distinct regional chili peppers instead of the generic red pepper flakes. Although Calabrian chilies have carried over their popularity, this year has also seen the rise of options like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza includes a quartet of these distinct chilis, with each bringing its singular taste profile to the mix, offering a spicy culinary journey that's garnered a following, especially among our bolder customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Finds
Local sourcing has broadened to include the wild bounty of nature, with foraged flavors adding to the rising trend. Leading this wave are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear during their growing season.
In addition, we've ventured into using wild ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients forge a connection to the wild and introduce incomparable flavors that cultivated crops cannot match.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delightful sweet and savory contrast has found a stable place in the pizza world. Expanding upon the hot honey trend from past years, 2023 has witnessed a variety of specialty honeys being drizzled over pizzas, adding layers of flavor just before serving.
Honeys such as truffle-infused, garlic-fermented, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-enhanced are popping up on menus nationwide, adding sophistication and transforming even the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that didn't make the top list but are still impactful include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizzas for a rich umami blast
- Pickled fruits, with a highlight on stone fruits like apricots and cherries
- Toppings from heritage grains, such as crisped farro or sorghum for enhanced texture
- Spots of artisan butter (including varieties like cultured or mixed herb butters)
Whether you hold a penchant for timeless classics or have an inclination for trying bold new flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At PublicServiceDirectory, we pay homage to tradition while also embracing modern twists—this is why our menu features both the timeless Margherita and ground-breaking specialty offerings.
What are your thoughts on these trending toppings? Is there a distinctive flavor combination you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by for a chat on your next visit!