With each new year, pizza trends evolve, bringing delectable innovations to our palates, and the year 2023 does not disappoint. At OpenRidgePass, we diligently track what garnishes are tantalizing the taste preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to present a list of this year's top choices for pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has made waves in the culinary scene, and this has extended into pizzerias with fermented veggies making a surprising entry as pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a complex sour zest that pairs well with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are not just flavorful but also provide probiotic benefits and add a fresh texture contrast to classic pizza favorites.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is adorned with our own sauerkraut and kimchi alongside gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet touch of local honey to soften the sour notes. It's a blend that seems atypical but has quickly become a top request among our unique pizza offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has not spared the pizza industry, and the call for meat substitute toppings has risen accordingly. Beyond your typical veggie garnishes, advancements in plant protein have led to satisfying alternatives that can please even the most ardent meat enthusiasts.
We now serve plant-based Italian sausage bits, herb-seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni. These plant proteins are capturing the interest of not only vegetarians but also those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and a less heavy dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy spiciness are in luck! This year sees a focus on specific types of regional chili peppers rather than the typical red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have retained their fame, varieties like the robust Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are increasingly featured on pizzas.
Our Global Spice pizza boasts a quartet of diverse chilies, each contributing its unique taste to various sections of the pizza, making for a fiery gastronomic journey that's favored by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients are becoming more prevalent in the pizza-making world. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are prominent due to their seasonal availability.
In addition, we're experimenting with wild ramps, sea veggies like dulse and nori, and even pine tips for their distinct aromatic flavors. These components allow patrons to connect with nature's offerings and savor tastes that cultivated crops just can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to bridge sweet and savory flavors has cemented its place as more than a fleeting fascination. 2023 showcases a burst in specialty honey types drizzled atop pizzas right before they're served.
Exotic options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey are now drizzled on pizzas, adding layers of complexity and transforming even basic pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few additional toppings that nearly made it to our top list, yet still deserve mention for the interest they're garnering:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, reminiscent of delicate flakes
- Pickled fruit variants, notably stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Whole grain additions, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Drops of artisanal butter, specifically those that are cultured or compounded with herbs
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're open to avant-garde combinations, pizza remains a diverse and coveted dish globally. At OpenRidgePass, we strike a balance between revering tradition and fostering novelty, which is evident in our array of pizzas, from the classic Margherita to the avant-garde creations.
Have you had the pleasure of tasting these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you have an innovative topping idea you'd like us to explore? Share with us in the comments below or on your next visit to our establishment!