Each year unveils fresh trends in the pizza culinary space, and 2023 is no different. At ClearMarket, keeping an eye on the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide is our jam. Here’s a list of the top pizza toppings taking the culinary world by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Awareness of gut health has spread to pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as the unexpected sensation on pizzas this season. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions have become sought-after for their zesty kick that pairs well with the cheesy, saucy base. These toppings are recognized for their probiotic perks and have added a novel texture to the classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Fanfare pizza is topped with our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all drizzled with local honey to counteract the sour notes. It may seem like an odd mix, but trust us, it's rocketed to the top of our unique pizzas chart.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets is expanding, and with it, we’ve encountered a surge in demand for meat alternative toppings. Looking beyond the typical veggie garnishes, plant-based protein innovations have been introduced to fulfill the cravings of even the most devout carnivores.
Options such as plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit in the guise of pulled pork, and pea protein based pepperoni have become staples on our menus. Not only vegetarians, but many customers pick these for their distinctive tastes and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor the fiery side of things will be glad to hear that 2023 has welcomed the inclusion of special regional chili varieties, moving beyond the standard chili flakes. The favorability of Calabrian chilies continues, and this year, we've introduced Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean favorite gochujang as options on our pizzas.
The Four Corners of Heat pizza offers a selection of four distinct chilies from around the world, each lending their own essence to the pie’s sectors. This spicy journey has found popularity amongst our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has taken a wild turn with foraged picks gaining popularity as pizza toppings. Foragers have led the way with wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their respective growing seasons.
Additionally, we’ve incorporated wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even pine tips to infuse an exclusivity that cannot be matched by cultivated ingredients. These toppings forge a connection to nature and offer irreplaceable tastes.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweetness from honey against savory notes has become more than a fleeting fad. Building on the foundation laid by spicy honey, 2023 introduces a variety of specialty honeys drizzled atop pizzas before being brought to the table.
Exotic varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey have made it onto the national scene. These artisanal touches enhance and sophisticate the flavors of even basic pizza selections.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings nearly making our top five but still creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza conjuring a fine golden blanket
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings for a crunchy element, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of boutique butter, especially those with cultured or mixed herb infusions
Whether you cling to timeless choices or venture into the realm of daring flavor fusions, pizza remains among the most versatile and celebrated dishes worldwide. At ClearMarket, while we revere time-honored recipes, we're equally committed to the spirit of culinary exploration, ensuring our menu offers both the classic Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have you given these trendy toppings a go? Or is there a unique blend you'd like us to try? Drop us a comment, or talk to us the next time that you pop in for a visit!