As each year passes, the pizza industry sees a multitude of new preferences emerging, and 2023 is no different. At BrimWoodlane, keeping a pulse on global pizza topping trends is our forte. Here is a list of the top pizza toppings that have become all the rage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has found a spot on pizza menus this year, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected favorite. Tangy delights like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a complex zest that pairs well with the creamy textures of cheese and tomato bases. Besides being probiotic powerhouses, these toppings bring new textures that refresh the classic pizza feel.
The quirky yet popular Fermentation Fiesta pizza we serve is topped with homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a touch of local honey to offset the zestiness. While it's a unique blend, it has quickly turned into a top request among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The upward trend in plant-powered diets has been seen in increased demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Innovations in plant-based proteins have led to alternatives capable of delighting even the staunchest carnivores.
Our menu includes items like tempeh baked in Italian spices, jackfruit with a pulled pork style preparation, and pea protein slices akin to pepperoni. These aren't solely for those who abstain from meat; their distinct tastes and ease on digestion attract a broad customer base.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with an affinity for spiciness are celebrating—the trend of specifying chili types over generic pepper flakes has taken root this year. While Calabrian chilies have maintained their allure, Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gaining traction as pizza condiments.
Our International Heatwave pizza brings together an assortment of these diverse chilies, each lending their distinct spice palette to different sections of the pizza. It's been a hit with our patrons who are looking for a spicy culinary journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The journey from forest to pizza oven is a trend picking up steam, with wild foraged produce finding its way onto pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with prized varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing the pizza during their peak seasons.
We've also dabbled with other foraged delights—springtime ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and spruce tips which offer a distinctive fragrance. These components not only deliver unique flavors but also provide our clients with a connection to the wilderness.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has proven its worth beyond a fleeting fad by creating a delectable contrast of sweet and savory on pizzas. The year 2023 has introduced an array of specialty honeys used as a final flourish on pizzas.
Exquisite variants like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite flower honey, and honey infused with CBD have begun to appear on nationwide menus. These drizzles add depth and can transform a basic pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings have nearly made the cut but deserve recognition for their impact:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizza, resembling fine golden powder
- Pickled fruits with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, including crisped farro and puffed sorghum, for added crunch
- Spoonfuls of artisanal butter, especially those enhanced with cultures or mixed with herbs
No matter if you're someone who cherishes timeless combinations or a daring food enthusiast eager for the new, pizza persists as a cuisine that's versatile and widely cherished. At BrimWoodlane, we honor time-honored methods as much as we celebrate culinary creativity—our menu is a testament to that, featuring the ever-beloved Margherita alongside the most avant-garde pies.
Have any of these modern toppings piqued your interest, or do you have a favored blend you're eager to recommend for our selection? Drop us a line in the comments or on your next visit!