With each passing year, we see innovative gastronomic trends in the pizza arena, and the year 2023 is no different. At MossStoneBridge, we diligently track the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's our list of the top pizza toppings gaining popularity this season.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has influenced pizzerias everywhere, with fermented veggies emerging as a surprising crowd-pleaser on pizzas this year. Items like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding deep acidic notes that balance out the creamy cheese and hearty sauce. Not only are these toppings great for your gut health, but they're also introducing a novel textural element to the classic pizza.
Displayed on our menu is the Fermentation Fanfare pizza, showcasing our own fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, blended with gorgonzola cheese, and a dash of local honey to counteract the sourness. While it may seem unconventional, it has swiftly become a top request among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more diners choose to eat plant-based, there's been an uptick in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. These aren't just your typical veggie toppings; modern advances in plant-based protein are offering alternatives that even die-hard carnivores appreciate.
We're talking about options like plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, marinated tempeh, seasoned jackfruit 'pulled pork,' and pea protein 'pepperoni' that have found a home on our menu. These proteins cater not only to vegetarians but also to customers who appreciate distinct tastes and a meal that's easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who like a bit of spice are excited about the emerging trend of distinctive regional chilies over the more common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, other varieties such as the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now finding their way onto pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza on our menu is a collection of four different regional chilies, each delivering its own special taste to the pizza's quadrants. It's an international spicy journey that many of our daring customers love.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local food enthusiasm has broadened to include forest-foraged ingredients directly onto pizzas. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are featured during their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've also been incorporating wild leeks known as ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to give a distinctive aromatic twist. These ingredients foster a connection with the environment while offering irreplicable tastes.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors that honey provides have certainly made their mark, surpassing a short-term trend. This year, we've witnessed an influx of unique honey varieties that are being drizzled atop pizzas just before serving.
Delicacies like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD are showing up in pizzerias nationwide. These aren't just adornments – they add a level of sophistication, turning straightforward pizza into experience of gourmet delight.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are also causing a stir, albeit not making our top five, including:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a luxurious garnish
- Acidic preserved fruits, with a preference for stone fruits like peaches and nectarines
- Whole grain garnishes, such as crispy spelt or puffed sorghum adding crunch
- Boutique dairy spreads, especially those craft or herb-infused butters
Whether you hold steadfast to classic toppings or aspire to try out avant-garde mixes, pizza remains one of the most flexible and cherished dishes worldwide. At MossStoneBridge, we pay homage to tradition while also advocating for novelty—that's why our menu celebrates the time-honored Margherita alongside boundary-pushing specialties.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have an inventive combination in mind that you'd love to see us offer? Drop us a comment or share your thoughts when you drop by!