Each year, the pizza scene is invigorated with fresh gastronomical trends, and 2023 doesn't disappoint. At HerbalFable, we diligently track which toppings are taking the pizza-eating community by storm. Here are our top picks for the pizza toppings that are currently gaining traction.
1. Pickled Vegetables
Health-conscious pizza eaters have now welcomed fermented veggies atop their slices. These tangy toppings, such as homemade kimchi, pickled cabbage, and sour pickled onions, add a complex zest that nicely cuts through the creamy cheese and sauce. They also provide a punch of probiotic goodness while adding an innovative spin to the pizza's texture.
The Sauerkraut Soiree pizza, a new addition featuring our in-house kimchi, kraut, and sharp gorgonzola cheese lightly drizzled with artisanal honey, might strike you as odd, but it's captured many hearts in our community of pizza aficionados.
2. Plant Derivatives for Meat
The plant-forward lifestyle is catching on, and there's been a notable increase in demand for meatless options on pizzas. Far beyond ordinary veggie toppings, the latest plant-based meat alternatives are a hit even among the most earnest carnivores.
Plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit as a substitute for pork, and pea-based pepperoni have become staples on our menu. In addition to vegetarians, many customers choose these substitutes for their novel taste and easier digestion.
3. Distinctive Hot Peppers
For those who love spicy flavors, 2023 has brought a trend of pizzas topped with specific types of hot peppers instead of generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, diverse heat sources like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora from Spain, fruity aji amarillo of Peru, and Korean gochujang paste are rising stars.
Our International Spice Route pizza is assembled with a blend of four exotic peppers, offering a distinct spiciness to each quarter of the pie. It's a zesty delight for those eager to explore bold flavors from around the world.
4. Wild-Crafted Seasonal Add-Ins
Pizza menus are now aligning with the foraging trend, as seen with a surge in wild, seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are various mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, featured during their peak seasons.
We're also incorporating forest finds like wild spring onions, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an aroma reminiscent of nature's essence. These ingredients offer an inimitable taste experience, connecting our customers with the wilderness.
5. Artisanal Honey Infusions
Honey has found a permanent place on pizzas with its ability to create a delightful contrast of flavors. Advancing from the popularity of spicy honey in preceding years, 2023 has introduced an array of specialty honey infusions as the finishing flourish on pizzas.
With options like truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, smoky honey, and even honey mixed with CBD, these embellishments lend sophistication to our pies, turning simple recipes into high-end gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that didn't quite make our primary list but deserve acknowledgment include:
- Salted cured egg yolks, finely grated across the pizza for a rich, savory dusting
- Preserved fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes, like toasty farro or sorghum for added crunch
- Carefully crafted butter dollops, either cultured or seasoned with herbs for extra flavor
Whether your palate favors the old-school favorites or you're game to experiment with innovative flavor pairs, pizza continues to stand as a culinary chameleon of sorts. At HerbalFable, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while heartily endorsing the new, which is why our menu presents both the classical Margherita and daring specialty creations.
Which of these top toppings have you tried? Do you have an inventive combo in mind that you wish to find on our menu? Share with us in the comments or drop us a suggestion when you dine with us next!