Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza culinary landscape, and 2023 is no different. Here at MirrorPathTrail, we're keenly observing the new flavors that are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you the list of top-trending pizza toppings that are creating a buzz this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Insights into gut health are influencing what’s hot in pizza toppings, with a growing popularity of fermented veggies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing a zesty punch that pairs well with creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings don't just deliver on taste but also contribute a probiotic boost and add a new texture dimension to the classic pizza palate.
Introducing our Festival of Fermentation pizza, adorned with in-house processed sauerkraut, kimchi, coupled with gorgonzola cheese, and lightly drizzled with local honey to provide a swish of sweetness against the sour notes. It may seem an unorthodox pairing, yet it quickly climbed to become one of our star specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of interest in plant-based diets has given rise to a heightened request for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitute toppings. Going beyond ordinary vegetable garnishes, plant-based protein advancements have brought forth options that please even the staunch carnivores.
Options like crumbles of plant-based Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein offerings styled after pepperoni have found a permanent spot on our menu. These proteins are not solely for those abstaining from meat; numerous patrons opt for them due to their distinct taste profiles and a less heavy impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery taste, 2023 has witnessed a surge in pizzas topped with specific regional chilies, moving past the commonplace red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have sustained their spot from past years, new additions include the likes of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and distinctive Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza tempts the palate with a quartet of distinct regional chilies, with each chili infusing its own flavor note in different sections of the pizza. This pie offers a sizzling gastronomic tour that has been a hit with our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged finds from forest to table are gaining an edge, thanks to their integration into pizzas. Wild mushrooms are spearheading this charge, showcased in varieties such as chantarelles, morels, and hen of the woods when they come into season.
Expanding beyond fungi, we've incorporated wild springtime ramps (akin to wild leeks), sea-foraged greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, which impart a distinctive aromatic essence. These naturally-sourced elements offer a connection to the wilderness and bestow flavors that cannot be replicated in a cultivated setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory achieved through honey has secured its place beyond a fleeting craze. Building upon the fame of spicy honey from yesteryears, 2023 has heralded a swath of gourmet honey varieties making their grand entrance atop pizzas just prior to serving.
Exquisite variants such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, rich mesquite-based honey, and even CBD-laden honey are becoming staple offerings. These drizzles contribute an intricate finish that can transform the simplest of pizzas into a culinary indulgence.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed making our top list but are still standing out include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza, resembling a dusting of golden flakes
- Marinated fruits, notably stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes, like crisped farro or puffed sorghum adding a crunchy texture
- Gourmet butter dollops, particularly those cultured or blended with herbaceous flavors
Whether you're an aficionado of time-honored classics or a diner eager to explore bold new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally enjoyed dishes. At MirrorPathTrail, we strike a balance, honoring timeless recipes while also engaging in culinary exploration—which is why you'll encounter both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have any of these trending toppings piqued your interest? Do you indulge in any unique topping combinations that you'd love to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or upon your next visit to our establishment!