The realm of pizza consistently experiences culinary innovation, and 2023 has brought its own unique flavors. Here at Crust & Charms Pizzeria, we diligently keep an eye on the toppings that pizza enthusiasts worldwide are savoring. These are the topmost sensational and favorite pizza toppings of the year that are making a buzz.
1. Cultured Vegetation
As awareness for digestive health rises, cultured vegetables are finding their way onto pizza, becoming an unexpected trend. Kimchi, lacto-fermented cabbage, and pickled shallots contribute zesty flavours that enrich the pizza’s overall taste. These toppings aren’t only healthily probiotic, they also present new texture and taste dimensions on the pizza canvas.
The Celebration of Fermentation pizza is layered with in-house lacto-fermented cabbage, kimchi, and blue cheese, then topped off with local honey, creating a perfect balance. This unique mix may seem peculiar but has swiftly turned into one of our frequently ordered specialties.
2. Meat-Free Protein Sources
As more people opt for plant-based nutrition, there's a noticeable surge in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggie toppers, meat-free protein innovations are attracting even the staunchest carnivores.
Substitutes like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein mimicking pepperoni have found a permanent place on our menu. These protein alternatives appeal to not only vegetarians but also those who prefer their distinctive tastes and digestion-friendly nature.
3. Distinct Chilies
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating, as 2023 is marked by a preference for specific chili types as opposed to the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chili still holds its ground, more exotic varieties like Aleppo chili, Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are also emerging in the pizza scene.
The Heat from Around the World pizza incorporates a collection of four different distinct chilies, each adding an exclusive flavor to varying sections of the pizza, offering a spicy gastronomic journey that's gained popularity among our adventurous clientele.
4. Wild-Harvested Seasonal Ingredients
The pursuit of locally sourced food has expanded to include wild-harvested seasonal toppings, with forest-to-pizza becoming a growing trend. Leading this are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake, spotted more frequently during their peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we also feature wild garlic, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even tips of spruce to add a distinct aromatic aspect to our pizzas. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and impart flavors not found in cultivated ingredients.
5. Unique Honey-Based Garnishes
The interplay between sweet and savory characterized by honey has become more than a fleeting fascination. Besides the recent vogue of spicy honey, 2023 has seen a burst of exotic honey types gracing the tops of pizzas right before serving.
Honey infused with truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and are now frequently found in pizzerias around the nation. These final flourishes deepen the flavors and elevate even basic pizzas to a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that are noteworthy but didn't make our top list are still worth mentioning:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded over the pizza for a luxurious effect
- Quick-pickled stone fruits, with a preference for peaches and plums
- Whole grains for garnish, including crispy spelt or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Specialty butter spots (notably flavored or compounded with herbs)
Whether you're someone who venerates timeless classics or you're ready to dip into pioneering mixtures, pizza remains the quintessential adaptable and adored dish. We at Crust & Charms Pizzeria pay homage to established customs while also engaging with the new—that's why our menu features both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you indulged in any of these vogue toppings? Or perhaps have a one-of-a-kind favorite combo you'd wish we'd offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!