As each year unveils new tastes in the pizza universe, 2023 follows suit. At OpenFordLink, our team stays ahead of the latest pizza topping sensations captivating those who adore this beloved dish worldwide. Here are the toppings that have risen to popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The rising attention on digestive health has paved the way for fermented vegetables to make an unexpected ascent to pizza fame this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a complex, zesty taste that pairs well with the creamy texture of cheese and tomato sauce. In addition to their probiotic advantages, these toppings bring new textural elements to the traditional pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we offer includes house-prepared sauerkraut, tangy kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, with an artisanal honey drizzle to soften the acidity. This distinct blend is quickly becoming a favorite among our most ambitious pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement towards plant-based diets has contributed to an increased appetite for pizzas garnished with innovative meat substitutes. Advanced plant-based proteins now offer alternatives that even the most ardent carnivores find satisfying.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage bits, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are staples in our selection. Opting for these options isn't exclusive to vegetarians—our patrons appreciate them for their distinct tastes and gentler effect on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Cheer for those who adore spice! The year 2023 has marked a preference for specific regional chili varieties over the standard spicy flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a sought-after choice from past years, other peppers like Aleppo, Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now being added to pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza we serve is an assortment of four different chilies from various regions, each adding its distinct taste profile to individual sections of the pie. This fiery experience has garnered favor from our patrons who enjoy bold flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of incorporating directly sourced farm ingredients has shifted towards using wild, seasonal foraged items. Foremost among these offerings are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods widely used during their growth seasons.
Apart from fungi, we've included wild ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips in our recipes. These components provide a bond to nature while featuring unique tastes that are not found in mass-produced foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet and savory pairing afforded by honey has proven to be enduring rather than a ephemeral fad. Extending from the previously popular hot honey, we've seen a burst of new honey varieties used as a finishing touch on pizzas in 2023.
Variations like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey mixed with CBD have appeared on menus nationwide. These accents add intricacy and turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that nearly made it to our top five include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shaved over the pizza creating a rich topping
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Whole grains for added crunch, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Specialty butter blobs, especially those enriched with herbs or cultured
Whether you lean towards time-honored classics or are up for novel and daring flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At OpenFordLink, we respect traditional approaches while also welcoming new culinary creations. That's how you'll find both the timeless Margherita and innovative specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these trendy toppings made it to your plate? Or is there a unique combination you're eager to see us introduce? Share in the comments, or drop us a line the next time you're here!