Each new year introduces novel pizza topping trends, and 2023 has welcomed its own unique set. At AmbientFlow, our team diligently observes the evolving preferences of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Below is a curated list of the year's standout pizza toppings making a splash in culinary circles.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As interest in digestive health grows, fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprising favorite among pizza toppings. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide layers of sour complexity, nicely offsetting the richness of typical cheese and sauce. These zesty options offer not only a probiotic boost but a novel twist on traditional pizza textures.
The innovative Fermentation Fiesta pizza combines in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, smoothed over with a drip of regional honey. What might seem an unexpected pairing has rapidly become one of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement towards plant-based diets has notably increased the popularity of pizzas adorned with imaginative meat substitutes. Moving beyond general veggie toppings, advanced plant-based protein creations are enticing even staunch carnivores.
Items such as plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These alternatives aren't exclusive to those following plant-based diets; many patrons select them due to their distinctive tastes and a lighter gastrointestinal impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is the year for those with a penchant for spiciness, as pizza lovers turn to specific chili varieties over generalized red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to reign, other varieties like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are gaining ground on signature pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is an international hot tour with four different types of regional chilies, each lending its distinct note to one-quarter of the pie, a fiery favorite among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has evolved further, embracing forest-to-pizza, thanks to the trend of seasonal foraged components. Leading this wave are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their respective seasons.
We're also incorporating wild ramps (wild leeks), sea botanicals like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinctive fragrant essence. These foraged items offer connections to nature while presenting indelibly fresh flavors hard to find in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to create a sweet and savory juxtaposition has transitioned from a fad to a fixture, especially in the context of pizza. The year 2023 has noted a diversification in honey, with an array of specialty honeys making their way onto pizzas just prior to being served.
Truffle honey, garlic-fermented options, smoky honey with a hint of mesquite, and even specialty-infused varieties are making appearances. These final drizzles add a sophisticated layer that turns a basic pizza into an exquisite dish.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly reached our top five but remain notable include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over pizzas for a luxurious touch
- Pickled fruits, like stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Whole grain garnishes, adding crunch with elements like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of handcrafted butters, including cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether you favor timeless classics or you're eager to explore new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and endeared dishes worldwide. At AmbientFlow, we honor pizza-making traditions whilst wholeheartedly welcoming novelty, evident as you find both the classic Margherita and pioneering creations in our repertoire.
Have you sampled any of these up-to-the-minute toppings? Or perhaps there's a distinctive combination you'd relish seeing on our menu? Share with us in the comments or when you next visit!