Each year new flavors emerge in pizza kitchens, and 2023 has its own delicious trends. At StoneField Pizzeria, we keep a keen eye on what's taking the pizza-consuming world by storm. These are the current top pizza toppings that are gaining attention.
1. Fermented Veggies
Gut health is increasingly becoming a priority, leading to the rise of fermented vegetables as an unexpected pizza topping. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring an intricate sourness that pairs well with the creamy cheese and sauces. Moreover, these fermented additions bring probiotics to the table and add new textural layers to the classic pizza.
Our novel Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, nicely offset with a drizzle of regional honey to counteract some of the sourness. This blend might be unconventional, but it's been quickly establishing itself as a favorite.
2. Plant-Derived Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets has led to an uptick in pizzas that boast inventive vegetarian options. Moving beyond mere vegetable toppings, breakthroughs in plant proteins have produced varieties appealing even to ardent meat fans.
Options like plant-formulated Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni are now staples in our establishment. And it's not just vegetarians who love them—these toppings have been chosen frequently for their distinctive tastes and overall lighter feel.
3. Specific Chili Peppers
For those who like it hot, 2023 has seen an embrace of specialized chili peppers, replacing the commonplace red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies hold on to their popularity, other varieties like Aleppo, the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now enhancing pizzas with their specific flavors.
We present our International Heat pizza, which showcases a variety of chilies, each adding its singular flavor to a different section of the pizza. This fiery offering has found favor especially amongst our more daring clientele.
4. Wild Foraged Components
The ethos of the farm-to-table movement has broadened, encompassing wild foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear sporadically throughout their growing seasons.
We've also integrated wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These additions not only bring unmatched flavors but also forge a connection to nature for those who enjoy them.
5. Unique Honey Infusions
The juxtaposition of sweet and savory provided by honey has solidified its place on the pizza palate. Following on the heels of hot honey, 2023 has welcomed various distinctive honeys as final touches on pizzas.
We offer varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and special honey infusions that grace our pizzas just before they're served. These drizzles add an extra layer of sophistication, turning even simple pizzas into artisanal masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that nearly made it to our top list but are certainly making an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza, creating a cascade of savory yellow flakes
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, with crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding crunch
- Specialty butter dollops, including cultured or mixed herb butters
Whether your tastes are for the timeless recipes or you're someone who seeks out the freshness of novel flavors, pizza endures as one of the most versatile and loved dishes worldwide. At StoneField Pizzeria, respect for tradition and a zest for innovation go hand in hand—thus, our menu caters to fans of both the classic Margherita and inventive, trendsetting pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these modern toppings? Or perhaps you have a particular combination you'd love to recommend? Feel free to share in the comments or the next time you stop by our pizzeria!