As the seasons change, so do the pizza topping trends, and 2023 brings a fresh array of favorites. BoundlessImagination keeps its finger on the pulse of what's delighting pizza enthusiasts across the globe. Below, we have compiled the most buzzworthy and beloved pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health awareness has reached the realms of pizza, with fermented vegetables emerging as a surprising top topping this year. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending tangy complexity that enhances the hearty flavors of cheese and tomato sauce. Bringing probiotic advantages along with intriguing new textures, fermented toppings are redefining the pizza experience.
The Fermented Festivity is our newest creation, adorned with home-fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and a gorgonzola blend, all harmonized with a touch of local honey to soften the sour notes. It's an unconventional mix that's swiftly risen to a customer favorite status.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With an upswing in plant-based diets, there's been a surge in pizzas topped with inventive meat alternatives. These aren't just your regular veggies; plant-based protein innovations are persuading even staunch carnivores with their satisfying flavors.
Options such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni are staples on our menu. These toppings are beloved not solely by vegetarians but also by patrons seeking something distinct and more digestible.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is the year for those who favor fiery foods, as pizza lovers are favoring specific chilies over the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their steady popularity, we’re also seeing an appreciation for distinct chilies like smoky ñora peppers from Spain, the sweet heat of Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
The Worldwide Spice pizza brings together a collection of chilies from different regions, crafting a unique spicy profile across the pie, proving particularly popular among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing trend is moving from the field to the forest with wild, seasonally foraged ingredients gaining traction. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and morels, gracing pizzas with their unique earthy flavors suited for their peak seasons.
Exploration extends beyond fungi, with additions of wild leeks in the spring, various seaweeds, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients provide a connection to nature while delivering unmatched flavors that can't be artificially replicated.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The dynamic duo of sweet and savory that honey brings to pizza has continued well beyond fad status. The current year has witnessed a rise in specialty honeys being drizzled over pies as a final flourish.
Diversity in honey varieties, including options like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and honey infused with CBD, are making appearances, enhancing even the simplest pizzas to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed making our top five but are still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza's surface
- Pickled fruit varieties, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes, adding crunch with elements like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of select butters, such as cultured or herbed compound varieties
No matter if you're someone with a preference for time-honored favorites or a connoisseur eager for innovative flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At BoundlessImagination, we respect the classics while exploring new culinary directions—thus, our menu includes both beloved traditional Margherita and boundary-pushing gourmet options.
Have you sampled any of these up-to-the-minute toppings? Or do you have a distinctive topping combo you're eager to see us introduce? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!