Each year introduces new flavors to the pizza-making scene, and 2023 is no different. At CinderMeadow, we keep a close eye on the flavors enthralling pizza aficionados across the globe. Take a look at the top pizza toppings that are currently trending this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The push towards good digestive health has brought fermented veggies into the spotlight as an unexpected pizza garnish. Zesty options such as pickled onions, sauerkraut, and kimchi lend a punchy taste that wonderfully offsets the richness of cheese and sauce. Not only do these toppings offer gut-friendly probiotics, but they also add a novel textural element to the usual pizza.
The Probiotic Party pizza in our selection is a delicious example, featuring house-prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and a unique gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a local honey drizzle. It’s a blend that may seem odd at first, but has swiftly garnered a fanbase for its originality.
2. Vegan Protein Options
The trend of plant-based diets doesn’t slow down, leading to a surge in vegan protein toppings on pizzas. These aren’t just your usual veggie toppings – new vegan proteins are winning over even the most ardent meat fans.
Our offerings now include plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, marinated tempeh, pea protein “pepperoni”, and marinated jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork. These aren't solely for the plant-based crowd; many guests select them for their distinctive flavors and because they're easier on the stomach.
3. Unique Chili Peppers
Those craving spiciness are enjoying distinct chili pepper varieties, moving beyond the commonplace red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a favorite, unique varieties like smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet-spicy Korean gochujang, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Middle Eastern Aleppo pepper are growing in popularity on pizzas.
The Spice World Tour pizza at our restaurant offers a quartet of different chilies, each conferring its distinct taste to individual slices. This spicy escapade has become particularly favored by our patrons with more adventurous palates.
4. Season-Dependent Wild Edibles
The wild-to-table approach has seen an uptick with seasonal foraged ingredients becoming a highlight on pizzas. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles, hen of the woods, and morels have become sought-after during their peak seasons.
We've also been working with ingredients like forest-found ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like nori and dulse, and spruce tips that deliver a distinctive aromatic flair. These foraged items not only offer unique flavors but also strengthen the connection between nature and our food.
5. Gourmet Honey Infusions
The pairing of sweet honey with savory flavors has now been solidified as more than just a trendy addition. Drawing from the burgeoning interest in unique honey varieties, 2023 sees a variety of specialized honeys being drizzled onto pizzas just before they're served.
Diverse honey types such as smoky mesquite honey, CBD-infused honey, truffle honey, and fermented garlic honey are making their way onto culinary menus. These special touches add depth and can transform even simple pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings nearly made it into our top selection; these include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza
- Stone fruits in a pickled form, like plums and peaches
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum, for extra crunch
- Gourmet dabs of butter, especially those infused with herbs or that are cultured
Whether you lean towards timeless favorites or are keen to explore new and daring flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At CinderMeadow, we honor longstanding classics while also celebrating culinary creativity—that's why you'll see both the iconic Margherita and novel specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these buzzworthy toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive blend of your own you'd wish to see us offer? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!