Each year unveils novel pizza topping trends, and 2023 is certainly a year of novelty. At Slice & Dice Pizzeria, we diligently source which flavors are resonating with pizza aficionados around the planet. Below is our list of top pizza additions that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in digestive wellness has surged into the realm of pizza, with fermented veggies making a surprise surge as pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing a complex tart zestiness that pairs well with the creamy cheese and sauce. Not only are these fermented options a source of probiotics, but they also add intriguing textural elements to pizzas.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza is adorned with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet drizzle of locally sourced honey to soften the sharpness. It may seem like an unconventional mix, but it's swiftly becoming a sought-after choice.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt a plant-centric diet, there's been a noticeable increase in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond regular veggie toppings, advancements in plant protein have led to offerings that even staunch meat enthusiasts can relish.
Options like plant-based crumbles of Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated 'pulled pork' jackfruit, and pea protein 'pepperoni' are now staples on our menu. These protein choices are enjoyed not solely by vegetarians but for their distinct tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek heat, this year has been marked by a preference for distinct and specific regional chili types over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have retained their popularity, we're also seeing chilies like smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang gain prominence on pizzas.
Our Global Spice pizza is a journey of heat, featuring a variety of four distinct regional chilies, with each adding its own burst of flavor to the pizza's quarters. It's a fiery exploration that has won over our more audacious patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-fresh finds are making their way onto pizzas, following the farm-to-table trend's natural progression. Leading this trend, foraged wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appear on pizzas during their natural growing seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've introduced seasonal ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These foraged delights bring customers closer to nature and offer flavors that would be impossible to replicate with commercial growing methods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The play of sweet against savory, enhanced by honey, has now transcended its trend status. Following the rise of hot honey, 2023 has brought a surge in specialty honeys used as finishing touches on pizzas.
Honeys enhanced with truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and cannabinoid-rich varieties are making their way onto menus nationwide. These final drizzles provide a gourmet flair, turning simple pizzas into refined delights.
Honorable Mentions
Not quite making the top five but still noteworthy are:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas like a dusting of gold
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains of heritage, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, to add texture
- Swirls of artisan butter, particularly those with culture or herbed varieties
Whether you hold a candle for time-honored favorites or are a culinary pioneer eager for new flavor landscapes, pizza remains an incredibly versatile and universally cherished dish. At Slice & Dice Pizzeria, we celebrate tradition yet welcome innovation, showcasing both the classic Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these new-age toppings? Or maybe you have a special combo in mind that you'd like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments, or during your next visit!