As each new year unfolds, it introduces fresh gastronomic fashions in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is brimming with innovation. At HaloWillow, we make it our mission to track what flavors are captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here's a list of the most thrilling and in-demand pizza toppings surfacing this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has transitioned into pizza shops, where fermented vegetables are rising stars on pizzas. The incorporation of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions is imparting bold, zesty flavors that superbly balance the rich taste of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings are not just palatable delights; they add beneficial probiotics and infuse pizzas with novel textural layers.
The new Fermentation Fiesta pie we’re serving includes our custom sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and gorgonzola, harmonized with a touch of local honey to soften the piquant taste. While the mix may seem offbeat, it's quickly become a fan favorite on our list of special offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based dining has continued to expand, leading to an uptick in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Aside from standard veggie toppings, the emergence of new plant-based proteins has introduced alternatives that even meat lovers appreciate.
Choices like faux Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni have found a permanent spot on our list. The appeal of these proteins extends beyond vegetarians, as many patrons select them for their distinct tastes and a more agreeable dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
The year 2023 has been a boon for those who prefer their pizza with a kick, with connoisseurs choosing specific chili types over the more common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have remained a favorite, there's also been an upsurge in the use of chilies like the smoky ñora from Spain, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang.
Our Spicy Globe Trotter pizza offers a quartet of these international chilies, each delivering a distinctive hint of spice to different sections of the pie. It's the perfect choice for our daring customers looking for a zesty exploratory experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local-food movement has further morphed into a trend where foragers deliver directly to pizzerias, leading to wild ingredients gaining popularity. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on our pizzas during their peak seasons.
Additionally, we're utilizing foraged ramps (wild garlic), seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even the occasional spruce tip for a unique flavor inflection. These ingredients foster a connection to the wilderness while providing tastes that farmed produce simply can’t replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory from honey has secured a place in the hearts of pizza aficionados. Riding the wave of hot honey's past success, the year has seen a surge in specialty honeys being lavished atop pizzas just before they're served.
With a variety of choices like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey making their way onto our pizzas, they infuse a layer of complexity and enhance even the simpler pizzas to a more sophisticated level.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that are also gaining traction but didn't quite make it to our top list include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza to create a rich topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly summer stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Wholegrain add-ons, offering crunch with popped grains like farro or sorghum
- Gourmet spreads of artisanal butter, especially those that are cultured or combined with herbs
No matter if you're one who honors timeless recipes or someone eager to sample innovative flavor compositions, pizza remains an endlessly versatile and cherished dish worldwide. At HaloWillow, we pay homage to time-honored practices while also championing culinary creativity—this is evident in our menu which features both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you indulged in any of these top trending toppings? Or perhaps there's a distinctive topping combination you're eager to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!