As each new year unfolds, pizza witnesses an array of fresh trends, and 2023 is brimming with innovations. At HeartyGrain, our team is dedicated to identifying flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. We present our list of the most compelling and sought-after pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Pickled Vegetables
The spotlight on digestive wellness has found its way into pizza kitchens, with pickled vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pies this year. Kimchi, preserved cabbage, and marinated onions introduce a zesty taste, enhancing the creamy textures of cheeses and sauces. These pickled condiments don't just offer gut-friendly perks; they also add a novel textural sensation to the classic pizza profile.
Our Probiotic Party pizza is adorned with our in-house fermented cabbage, kimchi, and blue cheese, with just a hint of regional honey to soften the sourness. Although it may seem unconventional, it’s swiftly climbing the ranks as one of our most popular specialty offerings.
2. Alternative Plant Proteins
As plant-centered diets gain traction, there's a noticeable increase in requests for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Stepping beyond ordinary veggie toppings, advancements in alternative proteins have afforded selections that appeal even to staunch carnivores.
We now proudly feature plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, herb-infused jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein mimicking pepperoni on our menu. These protein choices are not limited to plant-based eaters — many patrons opt for them thanks to their distinctive tastes and gentler effects on digestion.
3. Local Pepper Varieties
For those chasing a fiery kick, 2023 has brought a new enthusiasm for embracing particular local peppers over ordinary red pepper flakes. While Calabrian peppers have retained their appeal from past years, we are now noticing the inclusion of Syrian Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, Peruvian aji amarillo with its fruity notes, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Spice pizza boasts an assortment of four distinct local peppers, each bringing its signature flavor to separate sections of the pie. It's a vast exploration of spiciness that has been well-received by our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonally Foraged Additions
The pathway from the countryside to the dining table has extended to forest-to-pizza with the growing popularity of seasonally foraged components. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms, which are spotted frequently throughout their peak seasons.
We've also been innovating with wild onions known as ramps, maritime greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These wildcrafted elements offer our patrons a connection to the wilderness and flavors that cannot be replicated with cultivated goods.
5. Gourmet Honey Infusions
The contrasting flavors of honey have solidified their role, far from being fleeting. Extending the success of spiced honey from previous years, 2023 has introduced a wide range of special honey variations being generously drizzled over pizzas immediately before they’re served.
Exotic options like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with non-psychoactive cannabinoids are making their way onto culinary establishments nationwide. These drizzles are bringing refinement and complexity that transform even the simplest pizza formulas into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other exceptional toppings that were close to making our top five and are still noteworthy include:
- Dried and grated egg yolks, dusted over the pie for a radiant touch
- Marinated fruit, particularly stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes, like toasted spelt or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter dollops, especially those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Regardless of whether you’re a purist who cherishes classic recipes or a gastronome ready to explore innovative mixtures, the world continues to admire and adapt pizza. At HeartyGrain, we respect longstanding traditions while wholeheartedly embracing new ideas—which is evident when you see both timeless Margherita and avant-garde pies on our roster.
Have any of these trending toppings piqued your interest? Is there a special flavor combination you would like to recommend? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit to our location!