Each year, the pizza industry sees fresh culinary fashions appear, and 2023 is no different. At TheCuriousCollective, we are continually observing the tastes that are captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. This list captures the most thrilling and in-demand pizza toppings of the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Intestine-friendly choices have entered the pizza realm, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring complex, sour flavors to the pizza, pairing well with the rich tastes of the cheese and sauce. Besides offering probiotic advantages, these fermented options contribute new textural layers to the customary pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our in-house sauerkraft, kimchi and bleu cheese, completed with a sprinkle of local honey to offset the sourness. This combination may seem out of the ordinary, yet it's quickly turned into one of our most sought-after distinct pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets is ever-increasing, and with that, there's a noticeable spike in orders for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond the usual veggie toppings, the debut of plant-derived proteins offer options to please even hardcore carnivores.
Options like plant-sourced crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned bits of tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pea-protein pepperoni now grace our menu. It's not only vegetarians who are picking these proteins – customers are lured by their distinctive tastes and less hefty feeling post-meal.
3. Regional Chile Varieties
Those with a penchant for spiciness are celebrating, as this year pizza enthusiasts have been favoring specific types of regional chiles over the generic crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chiles remain popular, the presence of unique varieties like the smoky ñora chiles of Spain, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang sauce are becoming regulars on pizza toppings.
The World of Heat pizza presents an array of four distinct regional chiles, each lending its own particular taste to one of the pizza quadrants. It's a fiery gastronomic journey that has been especially well-received by our bold flavor-seeking patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has further branched into what could be called forest-to-pizza, through the growing trend of seasonal foraged items. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with types such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing atop pizzas seasonally.
Additionally, we've been trying out wild ramps (wild leeks), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even tips of the spruce tree for a distinctive scent. These items not only bring diners closer to nature but also offer flavors that cannot be replicated in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweetness and savory from honey has proven to endure beyond a fleeting fad. Expanding on the buzz of hot honey in past years, 2023 has introduced an array of specialty honey types being dribbled over pizzas just before they're served.
Exotic varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, sweet-smelling mesquite honey, and even cannabidiol-infused honey are sprucing up menus nationwide. These final touches infuse complexity and transform the simplest pizza assemblies into gourmet fare.
Honorable Mentions
Narrowly missing the top five but still leaving a mark are:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a captivating garnish
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as oranges and cherries
- Whole grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Luxury butter dollops (notably cultured or blended herb butters)
No matter if you're a purist at heart or a gastronome eager for novel pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At TheCuriousCollective, we pay homage to time-honored classics while also adopting forward-thinking creations—that's why our menu boasts both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde gourmet pies.
Have you sampled any of these on-trend toppings, or do you have an exceptional favorite mix you'd want to share with us? Drop your thoughts in the comments or mention them on your next visit to our establishment!