With each new year, the realm of pizza toppings welcomes fresh trends, and 2023 is no different. At QuietCourtyard, we've got our finger on the pulse of what's enthralling pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our list of the top trending and in-demand pizza toppings for the year.
1. Fermented Veggies
As a newfound focus on digestion health permeates pizza parlors, fermented veggies are emerging as a top choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a complex, sour zest that pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory sauces. These toppings are not only flavorful but are also a source of probiotics and bring unique texture contrasts to the classic pizza canvas.
Our Fermentation Fête pizza comes topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a gorgonzola blend, all balanced with a hint of local honey. This mix may initially seem quirky, but it's quickly gaining popularity as a favorite specialty pizza.
2. Plant-Based Meats
The surge in plant-centric diets has led to a notable spike in requests for pizza topped with meat-less alternatives. Beyond usual veggie toppings, new plant-based meats have arrived, pleasing even staunch carnivores.
We're now serving plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, tangy jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pea protein impersonating pepperoni. These alternatives are consumed not solely by vegetarians but by anyone drawn to their distinct tastes and digestibility.
3. Exotic Chili Peppers
For those who chase heat in their meals, 2023 is the year where pizza toppings shift from ordinary red pepper flakes to specialized varieties of chilies that offer distinct heat signatures. Calabrian chilies hold onto their popularity, while newcomers like the smoky Spanish ñora, tangy Aleppo, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang find a place on pizzas.
Our Spice Voyage pizza is a medley of these chilies, offering a unique spiciness to each section of the pizza. It has become a sought-after choice among our daring customers.
4. Wild Foraged Elements
The concept of farm-to-table has expanded to encompass wild foraged elements on pizzas, with the concept of forest-to-pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace the pizza during their seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we're incorporating spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a singular aromatic twist. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and bring flavors unmatched by cultivated varieties.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
The contrast between sweet and savory offered by honey drizzles has established itself as an enduring favorite. Expanding on the fascination with hot honey, 2023 witnesses the emergence of various artisanal honey drizzles applied to pizzas just before they're served.
Honey infused with truffle, fermented garlic honey, mesquite with a hint of smoke, and even honey containing CBD are now typical options on menus, turning simple pizza choices into sophisticated culinary creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that are gaining attention, even though they didn't make it to our top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza for a rich finish
- Pickling of orchard fruits such as nectarines and apricots
- Whole grains like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Nibs of artisanal butter, including varieties mixed with herbs or cultured for enhanced flavor
Whether you adhere to traditional pizza flavors or are open to trying innovative toppings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At QuietCourtyard, we celebrate time-honored classics while also embracing novel creations — our menu features both beloved Margherita pizzas and pioneering gourmet pies.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a personal favorite topping combination you wish to share? Drop a comment or suggest it on your next visit!