The culinary landscape of pizza is forever evolving, and the latest trends in 2023 are testament to this. At EveningBay, we are consistently on the lookout for the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our compendium of the five pizza toppings that are currently the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With gut health becoming a primary focus, fermented veggies are unexpectedly topping the pizza charts this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding a layered, tangy essence that perfectly counters the creamy quality of the cheese and tomato base. More than merely offering probiotics, these toppings are bringing new textural elements to the classic pizza palate.
Our debut Fermentation Fiesta pie comes generously topped with our own sauerkraut and kimchi, paired with gorgonzola cheese and a tad of regional honey to counterbalance the zesty undertones. This combo may seem out of the ordinary, but it's shooting up the ranks to become one of our most beloved specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Reflecting the increasing shift towards plant-centric diets, we've noticed a surge in demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Steering clear from regular vegetable assortments, the ingenuity in plant-based protein development has expanded our menu offerings to please even staunch carnivores.
We’ve added such choices as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork style jackfruit, and pea-based pepperoni on our menu. These meat alternatives are appealing not only to vegetarians but also to customers looking for distinct tastes and a more enjoyable digestion experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave spiciness, the year 2023 has marked a turn towards specific regional chili types over generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies keep their standing from past years, while now we’re seeing special varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making their way onto our pizzas.
Our International Zest pizza presents a mix of chilies from four regions, each lending its distinct taste to portions of the pizza. This fiery delight is increasingly popular with our clientele looking for new flavor journeys.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged, seasonal elements are becoming a pizza topping favorite as the farm-to-table movement transitions to forest-to-pizza. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are featured at their seasonal peaks.
Additionally, we've been experimenting with forest gems such as spring ramps (wild leeks), sea plants like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients give our diners a connection to the outdoors and bring unreplicable flavors that cultivated ingredients cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought by honey drizzles has cemented its place in the pizza world. Advancing from the hot honey trend, 2023 has seen the rise of unique honey varieties that are drizzled over pizzas right before they're served.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are now found on our pizzas, adding sophistication and a gourmet touch to even the most basic pizza types.
Honorable Mentions
A couple of other toppings that almost made it to our top list but remain noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza for that perfect umami hit
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Whole grains for garnish, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Scoops of artisan butter, particularly those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Regardless of whether you're a purist who savors traditional styles or a culinary adventurer eager for novel flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At EveningBay, we revere classic recipes while also embracing contemporary trends—that's the secret behind our menu where you can find both timeless Margherita and avant-garde pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these modern toppings? Or perhaps you harbor a distinctive favorite combination that you'd like to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know during your next visit!