As we witness a new year unfolding, the pizza scene continues to showcase exciting trends. Here at NeutralLane, keeping pace with the global appetite for unique pizza favorites is part of our expertise. We present the top pizza toppings of 2023 that are taking the culinary world by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now addressing the demand for gut-friendly choices, with fermented vegetables gaining unexpected popularity on pizzas. The intricate, piquant taste of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions is the perfect match to the creamy cheese and savory sauces. These toppings are not just beneficial due to their probiotics but also provide a thrilling contrast of textures.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, and finished with a sweet touch of local honey, is turning into a frequent request from our customers despite its unconventional mix.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With more diners opting for plant-based choices, there's been a notable surge in the popularity of meat substitute toppings. These plant-based options, like crumbled Italian sausage alternatives, marinated tempeh, jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and a spiced pea protein posing as pepperoni, have now found a permanent spot on our offering.
These toppings aren't exclusive to vegetarians; even our regular meat-eating patrons opt for them to savor their distinct tastes and the benefit of feeling lighter after a meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who adore some spice on their slice, 2023 has been indulging those spicy palettes by introducing specialty chilies from around the world in lieu of generic pepper flakes. Apart from the widely-loved Calabrian chilies, you'll now find varieties such as smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet and fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the rich Korean gochujang featured on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza offers a selection of these diverse chilies, assigning distinct flavors to different sections of the pizza, catering to our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of using foraged elements has transitioned from local farms to pizza, with a particular focus on seasonal wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that appear during their growing seasons.
We don't stop at mushrooms; our exploration has taken us to wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients offer a connection to the wilderness along with flavors that can't be replicated in a cultivated environment.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors of honey have secured its place as a lasting pizza topping trend. Adding to the pre-existing hot honey trend, we've now seen an array of special honey types like rich truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and the unique flavor of smoky mesquite honey making their way onto pizzas as a final flourish.
These final touches enhance the pizzas, transforming them into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that are creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks that are finely grated over the pizza for a rich, umami-laden topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Heritage grains such as crispy farro or popped sorghum adding a crunchy texture
- Small dollops of artisanal butter, especially those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Regardless of whether you're conservative with your pizza toppings or willing to delve into novel culinary territories, pizza's adaptability continues to capture the hearts of food lovers globally. At NeutralLane, we honor time-tested classics and simultaneously welcome new flavors, exemplified by our selection that ranges from the foundational Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings, or do you have your own distinctive topping idea you'd love to see us add? Share your thoughts below or during your next visit!