Each calendar cycle introduces fresh gastronomic trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is turning out to be no different. Here at Crust & Ember Pizzeria, keeping tabs on flavours that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide is our passion. Behold our compilation of this year’s most captivating and beloved pizza toppings.
1. Cultured Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive well-being has entered the pizza kitchen with cultured vegetables taking center stage on pizzas. The depth of flavors from tangy kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions enhances the deliciousness of cheeses and sauces, all while introducing a textured complexity and gut-friendly probiotics to the traditional pizza experience.
Introducing our “Probiotic Festival” pizza – a base topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, harmonized with a sweet kick from artisanal honey. While at first glance it may seem unconventional, it has swiftly ascended to the top of our most-sought-after speciality creations.
2. Alternatives to Meat Derived from Plants
The plant-based diet phenomenon continues to gain momentum, and with it, the demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Moving past the usual veggie fare, the advent of plant-derived proteins has brought forward options that can even impress staunch carnivores.
Items like plant-sourced faux Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit styled as 'pulled pork,’ and pea protein ‘pepperoni’ have become mainstays in our culinary offerings. These aren't exclusive to herbivores – a growing number of our patrons pick them for their distinctive flavors and gentler digestion experience.
3. Specialized Chilis from Distinct Regions
Capsaicin enthusiasts are in for a treat! The year 2023 has witnessed a surge in popularity for particular branded chili varieties, as opposed to the run-of-the-mill red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies preserve their tenure in popularity, now we seethe incorporation of Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, Peruvian aji amarillo with its fruity punch, and Korean gochujang making their presence felt on the pizza canvas.
Our “Fiery World Tour” pizza is a blend of these four unique chilis, each infusing its distinct flavor profile across the pizza, offering an especially welcomed treat for our more daring clientele.
4. Ingredients Foraged with the Seasons
Extending beyond the farm-to-table concept, today's pizza is getting an infusion of nature with foraged seasonal components. Leading this foray are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods, which grace our menu during their respective seasonal peaks.
Moving past fungi, our menu has featured wild spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and the distinct aroma of spruce tips. Such additions offer a connection to our environmental roots and present flavors that are unattainable through conventional cultivation.
5. Honey Drizzles of Distinction
Contrasting the sweet with the savory, the drizzle of honey over pizza is a trend that has stood the test of time. Building upon the hot honey craze of recent years, 2023 now reveals a variety of artisan honey types being lightly poured over pizzas right before they’re served.
Honeys imbued with truffle, aged garlic, smoky mesquite, and even varieties infused with CBD are finding their way onto menus nationwide. These drizzle options are adding layers of sophistication and transforming even the most straightforward pizzas into exquisite culinary delights.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are nearing the threshold of our top five but still deserve a mention for their increasing popularity:
- Preserved egg yolks, microplaned across pizzas creating a dusting of rich flavor
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone-fruits like apricots and cherries
- Ancient grains as toppings, such as crispy spelt or exploded sorghum for a crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butters, like those cultured or infused with herbs
No matter if you incline towards the time-honored staples or fancy the unexplored flavor territories, pizza holds its place as among the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At Crust & Ember Pizzeria, we give a nod to the time-honored while wholeheartedly adopting the new - which is evident by the presence of both the classic Margherita and avant-garde pies on our list.
Tasted any of these trendy toppings yet? Or do you have a distinct preference you’d like to see in our offerings? Drop a line in the comments or share with us during your next visit!