Each year introduces new trends to the pizza scene, and 2023 is no different. At DaybrookMead, we're keenly observing which flavors are tantalizing the palates of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Below is our list of top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health gains more attention, fermented veggies have come as a pleasant surprise topping for pizzas. Elements like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add complex, tangy flavors which balance the creamy cheese and tangy sauce. Not only do these toppings add a probiotic punch, but they also contribute new textures to the conventional pizza experience.
Experience our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, which is layered with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a touch of local honey to counterbalance the sharp flavors. This blend may seem unconventional, but it's swiftly risen to be a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has witnessed a corresponding demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Moving beyond typical veggie toppings, advancements in plant proteins have brought alternatives that even true meat lovers find satisfying.
Options such as plant-powered Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a home on our menu. These toppings appeal not only to vegetarians but to anyone interested in their distinctive taste and more forgiving impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza lovers with a penchant for heat are celebrating the rise in interest for specific regional chili types over generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, we are now seeing a rise in the use of spices such as Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang applied to pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza we serve is a quadrant-based exploration of chilies, each section delivering distinct taste notes. It's a popular choice among those looking to embark on a fiery gastronomic journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from wilderness to plate has grown into the forest-to-pizza trend with foraged seasonal ingredients gaining popularity. A variety of wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, have become a familiar sight topping pizzas in their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've been experimenting with wild ramps, ocean offerings like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These foraged items give a taste of nature and provide flavors that are challenging to replicate in a domestic setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory that honey brings to the table has become a staple, and it's become even more prominent in 2023 with an array of specialty honey varieties gracing pizzas. Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are just some of the unique additions enhancing flavor profiles across various eateries. These garnishing drizzles transform even the simplest pizza combinations into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some toppings that didn't quite make our top list but are still creating a buzz include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for an exquisite touch
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, that add a new texture profile
- Gourmet butter drops, especially those with a cultured taste or mixed with herbs
No matter if you're a purist who clings to the old-school flavors or a gastronome eager to taste innovative toppings, pizza remains the quintessentially versatile and beloved dish. Here at DaybrookMead, we honor timeless recipes while also welcoming new tastes—that's why our menu includes both the old-school Margherita and trailblazing creations.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings yet? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite that you'd like to see in our offerings? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share with us during your next visit!