As each year passes, the pizza industry witnesses the emergence of novel culinary trends, and 2023 is certainly no outlier. At SunsetCommons, we remain vigilant in identifying toppings that resonate with pizza aficionados worldwide. Allow us to present the roster of top toppings that are currently dominating this year's scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With gut health gaining focus, fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected favorite on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a refreshing sour taste that enhances the creamy texture of cheese and the flavors of sauce. Not merely are these toppings full of probiotics, but they also add a novel textural element to what we know as traditional pizza.
Fermentation Celebration is our newest pie featuring homemade sauerkraut and kimchi, paired with gorgonzola cheese and a sweetening touch of local honey to offset the sourness. While it may seem like a quirky pairing, it's swiftly becoming a beloved option among our speciality pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets has fueled an increased demand for pizzas embellished with meat alternatives. Beyond simple veggies, advancements in plant-based proteins are providing options that even staunch meat-eaters find satisfying.
Toppings like crumbles of plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated pulled pork from jackfruit, and pepperoni made from pea proteins have become staples on our menu. These ingredients are chosen not just by vegetarians but also by customers who appreciate their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Enthusiasts of spiciness, take note! In 2023, there has been a trend towards choosing specific chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies keep their popularity steady, we are now experiencing a surge of interest in chilies like the smoky ñora from Spain, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang, each with its own character.
The Global Heat pizza presents a variety of these chilies, arranging their unique flavors throughout four sections of the pizza. It's an adventure for the palate that's specifically favored by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-to-pizza is the new farm-to-table as foraged ingredients gain traction. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods which appear on pizzas when in season.
In addition to mushrooms, we have played with ingredients like wild ramps, sea vegetation including dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These foraged goods not only bring diners closer to nature but also introduce flavors unavailable in mass cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Blending sweetness with savory, honey has solidified its place on the pizza palette. Capitalizing on the hot honey trend of previous years, a variety of specialty honey types have burst onto the scene in 2023, employed as a final flourish on pizzas.
Drizzles such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite honey, add an extra layer of depth, turning commonplace pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are also notable despite not making our top five list but deserve a mention:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, adding a luxurious finish to the pizza
- Brined fruits, with a special nod to stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crunchy toppings from heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Artisanal butter varieties, especially those that are cultured or blended with herbs
No matter if you're a purist who holds dear the classic recipes or an explorer eager to sample unconventional flavors, pizza remains unmatched in its adaptability and worldwide appeal. At SunsetCommons, we revere timeless traditions while also pursuing modern innovations, which is why our menu features both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have any of these modern toppings caught your attention? Or is there a unique combination you're dying to see us introduce? Share your thoughts with us in the remarks or during your next visit!