Each year, the pizza industry experiences fresh gastronomic trends, and 2023 hasn't disappointed. UrbanLattice Pizzeria continuously scans the horizon for what's delighting pizza aficionados worldwide. We present the leading and most buzzworthy pizza toppings of this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has entered the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected topping favorite this year. Sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickled onions are lending a sophisticated tart zest that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these toppings offer probiotic perks, they also add new textural sensations to classic pizza.
We've launched the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, boasting in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of regional honey to temper the sourness. Though it may appear unconventional, it's swiftly earning a spot as one of our top-requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The shift towards plant-based diets hasn't missed the pizza sector, with a noticeable surge in the call for pizzas adorned with imaginative meat substitutes. Exceeding routine veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based protein has brought forth alternatives that even devout carnivores appreciate.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbs, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have now found their home on our menu. These proteins are popular not only with vegetarians but also with patrons looking for distinct flavors and a less heavy eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating! The year 2023 has seen a welcome embrace of distinct regional chili varieties over traditional red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, and now we're seeing the addition of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza provides a selection of four different regional chilies, each lending a distinct taste to varied sections of the pizza. It's a fiery voyage that's captured the fancy of our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The pathway from foraging grounds to pizza has become a hit with the rise of seasonal wild ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms appearing during their peak seasons.
We're also exploring wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an aromatic twist. These natural elements offer a connection to the wilderness and flavors that can't be replicated in a cultivated environment.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory achieved through honey has become a staple, transcending fad status. Expanding on the recent hot honey trend, this year has introduced an array of specialty honey drizzles used as a finale on pizzas.
Assortments including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are making their way into pizzerias nationwide. These infusions contribute depth and can transform even the simplest pizza blends into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings nearly making our prime list but still leaving a mark include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas like a shower of gold
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as apricots and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum to enhance texture
- Handcrafted butter blobs (especially cultured or blended with herbs)
Whether you're devoted to time-honored favorites or inclined towards innovative topping mixes, pizza remains one of the planet's most customizable and cherished dishes. At UrbanLattice Pizzeria, we pay homage to convention while boldly exploring new culinary frontiers—that's why our menu features both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have these trending toppings piqued your interest? Or perhaps you have a distinctive topping combo suggestion for our selection? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you dine with us next!