Each year, the pizza industry witnesses new gustatory fads, and the year 2023 is no different. At ClearBrookLy, we constantly observe what's appealing to pizza aficionados globally. Here's our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are the rave this season.
1. Fermented Veggies
As gut health becomes more of a focus, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected favorite on pizza menus. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions add a tangy twist that balances out the creamy cheese and sauce. These fermented options don't just offer gut-friendly probiotics but also introduce a new texture to the classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie includes our special sauerkraut, house-cultured kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola cheese, topped with a drizzle of artisanal honey to cut through the sourness. It may seem like an offbeat mix, but it's steadily becoming one of our most popular requests.
2. Alternative Protein from Plants
As plant-based diets gain popularity, there's been an upsurge in pizzas crafted with intriguing meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggies, new plant-based protein innovations are meeting the mark for even staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These proteins cater not only to vegetarians but to customers looking for distinctive tastes and a less heavy meal.
3. Peppers from Specific Regions
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the trend for 2023 is using distinct regional peppers over generic chili flakes. Calabrian peppers continue to be a fan favorite, and now additions such as Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora peppers, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are gaining traction on pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza offers a selection of four unique chilies from various regions, delivering distinct flavors in each quarter of the pie. It's a hit with our boldest customers seeking a fiery taste journey.
4. Seasonally Foraged Delights
The locavore movement has broadened from farm-to-table to encompass forest-to-pizza, with foraged ingredients earning their spot on pizza menus. Leading this trend is an assortment of wild-sourced mushrooms—chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods appear in peak season.
Aside from mushrooms, we're experimenting with foraged foods like wild leeks in the spring, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and even pine tips for an aromatic note. These elements offer a connection to nature and offer flavors that cultivated ingredients cannot match.
5. Unique Honeys
The blend of sweetness and savoriness honey contributes to pizza has secured its place as more than a momentary craze. Expanding upon the hot honey fad of yesteryears, 2023 witnesses an array of exotic honey drizzled over pizzas before serving.
We're seeing infusions like truffle honey, garlic honey aged via fermentation, mesquite honey that's been smoked, and unique varieties such as CBD-enriched honey adding complexity and taking simple pizzas to a gourmet level.
Additional Notable Toppings
Some other toppings that nearly made it to our top list but deserve mention include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a velvety finish
- Marinated stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain accents, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- High-quality butter dollops, including cultured and herb-enriched varieties
Whether you stand by the perennial favorites or enjoy exploring novel topping blends, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At ClearBrookLy, we blend tradition with novelty, which means our menu features both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde specialities.
What are your thoughts on these trendy toppings? Or is there a distinct combination you believe we should introduce? Share with us in the comments, or let us know on your next visit!