Each year ushers in fresh culinary inclinations in the realm of pizza, and 2023 has been no different. At WillowDockSide, our goal is to stay attuned to global preferences of pizza aficionados. Here is our compilation of the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has found its place in pizza creation, with the newfound popularity of fermented veggies as a topping choice. Items such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending their unique and sharp flavors that perfectly offset the creamy texture of cheese and the savory pizza sauce. Not only are these options healthy with their probiotic qualities, but they're also infusing novel textures into the classic pizza palette.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with an added touch of local honey to cut through the sourness. This peculiar mix may seem extraordinary, but it's fast turning into a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has not gone unnoticed, with a corresponding increase in demand for pizzas that boast inventive meat substitutes. Moving past conventional veggie toppings, there have been breakthroughs in the creation of plant-derived proteins that can also delight the palates of staunch carnivores.
We now regularly serve pizzas topped with plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit prepared in a 'pulled pork' style, and pea protein crafted into 'pepperoni'. These toppings are not exclusively for those eschewing meat but are popular for their distinct flavors and being easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Fans of spice have turned their attention to specific regional chili types, rather than the common crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies are still a hit, we're observing a rise in the use of spices like Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoky ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang sauce.
Our Spicy World Tour pizza incorporates a selection of four distinct chilies, with each one introducing its characteristic flavor to a separate pizza quadrant. This fiery culinary experience has become a favorite among diners with an adventurous palate.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of farm to table has expanded into forest to pizza with the increasing popularity of foraged ingredients that are season-specific. Leading this charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which appear opportunistically during their growth season.
Other natural finds including spring ramps, seaweed varieties like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic element, have been incorporated into our recipes. These toppings offer a taste of nature and provide a flavor profile not available through commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory offered by honey has become a mainstay of pizza topping options. Following the trend of spicy honey, this year has witnessed a burst in the variety of special honey types, with a drizzle applied just before serving.
Connoisseurs can now enjoy unique variants like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD. These honeys serve as the final flourish that adds a layer of sophistication to the most basic pizza or enriches an already elaborate pie.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that narrowly missed our top list but are still creating ripples include:
- Salty cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a decadent effect
- Tart pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Textural grains from heirloom varieties like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum
- Rich artisanal butter dollops, particularly those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Regardless if you're someone who cherishes timeless classics or you're willing to explore inventive flavor pairings, pizza remains an enduringly popular and versatile dish. At WillowDockSide, we respect culinary tradition while also welcoming the new—evident by our offering of both the quintessential Margherita and boundary-pushing gourmet pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have an unusual favorite of your own that you'd wish to see on our menu? Drop us a comment, or share your thoughts when you next drop by.