Each year introduces new pizza topping trends, and 2023 has its own unique additions. At SolidReach, it's our mission to track what toppings are captivating pizza aficionados globally. Here's our curated list of the most captivating and sought-after toppings that are trending this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's importance has influenced pizzeria menus, with fermented veggies seen as a surprising new favorite. Tangy toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are being used to add complexity to the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings bring not just probiotic advantages but also interesting new textures to conventional pizza styles.
The “Fermentation Fiesta” pizza at our venue includes a blend of in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with an added drizzle of local honey to soften the sourness. It may seem like an odd pairing, but it's quickly turning into one of our flagship specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The popularity of plant-based diets has led to an increased interest in meat-alternative pizza toppings. Beyond basic veggies, the rise of plant-based protein has introduced meat substitutes that even the most ardent carnivores appreciate.
We now offer items like plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni” on our pizzas. These toppings are appealing not just to vegetarians but to a broader customer base looking for diverse flavors and a more digestible protein option.
3. Distinct Regional Chilies
For those who enjoy added heat, 2023 marks a departure from generic spicy flakes to a celebration of unique regional chilies. While Calabrian chilies remain popular, new varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are showing up on pizzas.
The Worldwide Spice pizza brings together four varied regional chilies, each lending its distinct spicy profile to the creation. This item has particularly appealed to our clientele who are looking for a daring and spicy experience.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
The wild foraging trend has transformed pizza toppings, with ingredients like wild mushrooms leading the way. Chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are increasingly showcased during their seasons on our pizzas.
Apart from mushrooms, we've included wild leeks, marine greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips on our menu. These gatherable ingredients offer unique, non-farmable flavors, connecting consumers with nature.
5. Exquisite Honey Drizzles
Honey drizzles have solidified their role in creating a delightful, savory contrast on pizzas. Expanding upon the popularity of hot honey, this year we've seen an array of specialty honey types being used as a final touch before serving.
Drizzles such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and specialty infused honeys have started to make an appearance on nationwide menus, adding sophistication, and transforming even basic pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that were close to making our top list but are definitely making an impact include:
- Fine shavings of cured egg yolks, adding a luxurious finishing touch to pizzas
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Grains with heritage appeal, offering unique textures such as crispy farro or sorghum pops
- Gourmet butter spots, including cultured or flavored with herbs butter varieties
No matter if you adhere to time-honored classics or pursue novel taste adventures, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and universally loved dishes. SolidReach respects the traditions while also welcoming culinary creativity, which is why you'll spot both the timeless Margherita and innovative specialties on our menu.
Have you explored any of these hot toppings yet? Or is there an exclusive topping combination you'd like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or come by to tell us in person!