This year has ushered in fresh gastronomic waves into the pizza universe, and 2023 stands out distinctively. At GentleFenBorough, we keenly observe the flavors that are captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you the roundup of this year's most thrilling and beloved pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut wellness has found its way onto the pizza canvas, with a surprising surge in fermented veggies as a top choice for toppings this year. A blend of tangy tastes such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions is now enriching the classic pizza base with their robust flavors. These fermented additions not only enhance the culinary experience but also add rich probiotics and a burst of new textures.
The Gut-Friendly Fiesta pizza at our pizzeria, featuring homemade sauerkraut, artisanal kimchi, and creamy gorgonzola, and topped off with a sweet local honey drizzle, has been increasingly sought after, despite its unconventional ensemble of ingredients.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-based diet takes deeper root in the consumer psyche, the desire for meatless pizza varieties has skyrocketed. We are witnessing a shift from traditional vegetable toppings to innovative meat substitutes that are impressing even the staunchest carnivores.
Our menu now includes toppings like savory plant-based Italian sausage bits, herb-seasoned tempeh, exotic jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These alternatives aren't merely for the vegetarian palate—they are celebrated for their distinct flavors and a digestibility that's easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those craving a spicy kick, the year 2023 has welcomed aficionados to a grand selection of chilies hailing from diverse locales, moving beyond the standard pepper flakes. We've seen continued fondness for Calabrian chilies, along with newfound appreciation for the nuanced flavors of Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity aji amarillo peppers from Peru, and the rich Korean gochujang.
Featuring four distinct chili varieties from around the world, our International Spiciness pizza allows patrons to indulge in different tastes and levels of heat on a single pie, proving particularly popular among our thrill-seeking diners.
4. Foraged Seasonal Delights
The local sourcing trend has evolved, with foraged seasonal ingredients making their way onto pizzas. Leading this movement, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods find themselves gracing pizzas in their peak seasons.
We're also experimenting with wild ramps, marine botanicals like dulse and nori, and even the essence of spruce tips to infuse a one-of-a-kind aromatic twist. These wild-crafted options offer diners a taste of nature's unsung flavors that are usually untapped by commercial farming.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Honey as a sweet complement to savory pizzas has long since transitioned from a mere fad to a steadfast culinary element. The year 2023 has seen an influx of artisan honey variations being drizzled on pizzas right before they're served.
Range of honeys like luxurious truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and honey enriched with CBD have started to grace pizzerias nationwide. These drizzles aren't just a final touch; they enhance the pizzas with additional layers of taste, transforming standard flavors into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other notable contenders that didn't make our top list but are still leaving their mark include:
- Aged egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas like a dusting of golden confetti
- Pickled stone fruits, such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains used as toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding a new textural element
- Spoonfuls of crafted butter, particularly those enriched with cultures or mixed with fresh herbs
No matter if you're a purist who stands by the perennial favorites or a bold taste adventurer open to novel blends, pizza remains an infinitely versatile and cherished dish. At GentleFenBorough, we hold the legacy of classic pizza in high regard while also embracing the zest for innovation—that's why menus feature age-old favorites like Margherita alongside the avant-garde pies of today.
Ever sampled any of these modern toppings? Or do you have a particular topping mix you're eager for us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by and tell us about it!