As the new year progresses, the pizza industry sees a fresh wave of gastronomic trends, and 2023 is brimming with them. At FieldCorridor, we are keen observers of the pizza toppings that entice food enthusiasts across the globe. Let us take you through the current year's most captivating and demanded toppings on pizzas.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has reached the pizza sector, with fermented vegetables taking the forefront as an unexpected topping favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are infusing pies with their distinctively sharp flavors that brilliantly counterbalance the creamy cheese and sauce. Offering probiotic advantages, these fermented options also introduce a novel textural aspect to the beloved pizza.
The introduction of our Fermentation Fest pizza, adorned with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a sweetening touch of nearby apiary honey, maybe untraditional, yet it is quickly becoming a go-to for our clientele seeking distinctive flavors.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, we are seeing a surge in pizzas dressed with innovative meat substitutes. Moving beyond simple veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based proteins like savory crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, marinated jackfruit that passes for pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are becoming stables in our kitchen. These ingredients are not reserved just for vegetarians but are chosen by many for their distinct tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy an extra kick are in luck. The year 2023 has welcomed the shift from generic hot spice options to distinct regional chili types. While Calabrian peppers continue to be a favorite, we're now witnessing an influx of other distinct varieties such as fruity Peruvian aji amarillo and spicy Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The World of Spice pie brings together a quartet of chilies, each bringing its individual flavor complexity to a separate segment of the pie, becoming a hit among our more adventurous patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged, wild ingredients are the latest evolution of farm-to-table, taking center stage on pizzas as preferences for seasonal foraged elements grow. Wild mushrooms are particularly popular, with speciality types such as chanterelles and morels making appearances.
Our menu has also seen the addition of wild ramps, sea greens like dulse, and spruce tips, providing flavors that are hard to replicate with commercially grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to marry sweet with savory is a concept now thoroughly ingrained in the pizza scene. Expanding from the vogue of spicy honey, 2023 has introduced various new honey varieties drizzled on pizzas right before they're served.
We're now offering options like truffle honey and honey infused with fermented garlic, adding complex dimensions that can transform even a simple pizza into gourmet fare.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings came close to making our top five but are still worth mentioning due to their popularity:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated on top of the pizza
- Preserved fruits, especially stone fruits like cherries and nectarines
- Whole grains such as toasty farro or crunchy sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of crafted butters like cultured or herbed varieties
No matter if you're a purist who sticks to time-honored favorites or a bold taste tester eager for new flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and beloved dishes globally. At FieldCorridor, we respect timeless recipes while venturing into the realm of culinary creativity, which is why our menu hosts both the quintessential Margherita and inventive new pies.
Ever sampled any of these trendy toppings, or is there a particular combination you'd wish to see us offer? Drop a comment or tell us during your next visit!