As the pizza scene evolves with each year, 2023 has been no different, bringing forth new flavors that have captivated pizza aficionados globally. At BlueHearth, we keep a pulse on the tastes that resonate with our customers. Follow through for our curated roundup of this year's most buzzworthy pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has taken the culinary scene by storm, leading to an unexpected trend of fermented vegetables adorning pizzas. Ingredients like kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and sauerkraut have been introduced, lending a piquant complexity that synergizes with the creamy textures of cheese and the savory foundation of sauces. These toppings are not only a source of probiotics but also infuse a novel texture that revitalizes the conventional pizza experience.
The Probiotic Party pizza at our eatery boasts a home-crafted sauerkraut and kimchi topping along with gorgonzola, which is then finished off with a glaze of locally sourced honey to undercut the sour zest. While the fusion might be unexpected, its emergence as a fan favorite is unmistakable.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The wave of plant-based diets is nowhere near receding, leading to an uptick in plant-derived protein toppings as meat substitutes on pizzas. Instead of the usual vegetables, recent advancements have introduced a variety of imitation meats that even die-hard carnivores appreciate.
Alternatives such as crumbled Italian sausage made from plants, flavorful tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pepperoni made from pea protein have become staples in our kitchen. These selections are popular not merely among vegetarians but also among those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
The quest for spice has elevated interest in particular types of regional chilies on pizzas, moving beyond the generic sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Popular picks remain Calabrian chilies, with emerging favorites like the citrus heat of Aleppo pepper, the smokiness of Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity notes of aji amarillo from Peru, and the deep flavors of Korean gochujang.
Our World of Spice pizza is a quartet of these global chilies, each lending an exclusive burst of taste to a quadrant of the pie. It's a fiery exploratory experience that has resonated particularly well with our culinary daredevils.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraging has transitioned from woodsy floors to pizza tops, with the surge in popularity of ingredients gathered from the wild. Leading the pack are various types of mushrooms, including the likes of chanterelles and morels, which grace our pizzas during their peak seasons.
Aside from fungi, we've been incorporating wild ramps, ocean-harvested greens such as dulse and nori, and even the fragrant spruce tips, producing an aroma reminiscent of the forest. These fresh finds not only connect our diners to nature's bounty but also add flavors that are impossible to obtain through conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role as a complementary sweetener on savory pizzas has become well-established beyond a fleeting fad. With the continuous success of spicy honey, the year 2023 has seen a variety of unique honeys being generously drizzled atop pizzas before they make their way to the table.
Options like truffle-infused honey, honey cured with fermented garlic, honey with a hint of smoky mesquite, and others even boasting CBD infusion, are finding their place on menus nationwide. These honeys not only add intricate flavors but also transform simple pizza recipes into luxurious dining options.
Honorable Mentions
While the following toppings didn't quite make the top echelon, they're still making quite an impact:
- Shaved cured egg yolks, dusting pizzas with a velvety richness
- Pickled fruits that brighten the profile, particularly with stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Whole grains providing crunch, like toasty farro or popped sorghum
- Touches of gourmet butter, especially those infused with herbs or cultured to enhance their flavor
No matter if you're someone who stands by the timeless classics or you're a pioneer of palate-pleasing pairings, pizza remains an incredibly versatile and universally loved dish. At BlueHearth, we respect the classic traditions while venturing into novel culinary realms—evident from our offering of both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a unique flavor duo you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our venue!