As each year unfolds, the pizza scene sees fresh gastronomic fads emerge, and 2023 is no different. At BrookLinenWorks, we continually track the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our curated list of this year's most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The interest in digestive health has infiltrated the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables making an unexpected splash on pizzas this year. Tangy additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex flavors that enhance the creamy cheese and sauce base. These toppings aren't just flavorful — they offer probiotic advantages and add a novel textural layer to classic pizzas.
Our novel Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, with a finishing drizzle of artisan honey to offset the sourness. While it may seem unconventional, it's swiftly risen to be one of our most popular unique pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The upward trajectory of plant-based diets has led to a notable surge in plant-based protein options on pizzas. Moving beyond conventional vegetable options, the advent of plant-based proteins is now pleasing not only vegetarians but also staunch carnivores.
Options like crumbled vegan Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork that's been marinated, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These plant-based choices are elected by customers not solely for dietary reasons but for their distinct flavors and digestive ease.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with an inclination for spiciness are celebrating as pizza lovers are now opting for specific regional chilies over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies hold onto their popularity, other varieties like the fragrant Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza is an amalgam of these four distinct chilies, each lending its unique taste to different quarters of the pizza, making it a hit among our gastronomically adventurous customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The from forest to pizza notion is gaining momentum with the burgeoning popularity of seasonally foraged add-ons. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are featured on our pizzas when in season.
Our explorations have also led us to incorporate wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic presence. These additions not only transport our diners to the wilderness but also add flavors that cultivated ingredients can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory flavors afforded by honey has now securely entrenched itself in the pizza domain. Capitalizing on the hot honey trend, the introduction of unique honey varieties drizzled atop pizzas at the last moment has become a new norm in 2023.
Exotic honey varieties like truffle-infused, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey are now adorning pizzas nationwide, adding layers of complexity and upgrading even the simplest pizza to gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed being in our top five but are still creating ripples include:
- Cured egg yolks, gratefully sprinkled across the pizza for a touch of luxury
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, adding crisp farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Gourmet dollops of butter, such as cultured or mixed with fine herbs
Whether you're a purist to the core or on the lookout for daring new flavor mixes, pizza remains an endlessly versatile and deeply cherished dish. At BrookLinenWorks, we pay homage to pizza traditions while welcoming culinary advancements, which is why our menu caters to lovers of the classic Margherita as well as those seeking inventive crafted pizzas.
Which of these topping trends have you indulged in? Or is there a distinctive topping combination you'd wish to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!