Each year unveils new exciting trends in the ever-evolving pizza landscape, and 2023 has its unique offerings. At Crust & Crumb Haven, we closely follow the flavors that captivate pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our list of the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has entered the pizza scene, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected favorite. Adding tangy bursts, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a complex taste against the creamy backdrop of cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only laden with probiotics but also contribute interesting textures to the classic pizza.
Introducing the Fermentation Fiesta pie – our very own creation featuring in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese complemented by a hint of local honey to balance the zesty flavors. Its distinctive profile is rapidly turning it into one of our most in-demand specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more individuals adopt a plant-centered diet, the demand for meatless pizza toppings has surged. Moving beyond traditional veggies, recent breakthroughs in plant-based protein provide alternatives that even carnivores appreciate.
Pizzas adorned with plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, seasoned jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni are all now staples on our menu. It's not solely the vegetarians who opt for these options, but also those who savor their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery taste, 2023 has welcomed a preference for specific chili peppers over the typical red pepper flakes. The love for Calabrian chilies persists, while new varieties like smoky Spanish ñora, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and the Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas.
Experience our Global Heat pizza: four exotic chilies that contribute their unique heat profile to each quarter of the pie. This serving of spice has rapidly become a hit among our more daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged fare is the new star of the pizza world, riding on the coattails of the farm-to-table wave. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace our pizzas in their peak seasons.
Our foraging adventures don't stop at mushrooms; we've experimented with wild ramps, assorted sea plants like dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients foray beyond agriculture, bringing unique flavors that can't be found in cultivated goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory flavors brought by honey has continued to hold its ground well beyond a fleeting fad. Following on the heels of the favored spicy honey, the current year has seen a surge of interest in special types of honey, with various infusions used as a final flourish on pizzas.
Decadent options now include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, honey redolent of mesquite smoke, and uniquely infused varieties. These drizzles are making the usual pizza experiences more sophisticated and enjoyable.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that nearly made it into our top list but still deserve mention are:
- Salted egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a lavish touch
- Tangy pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- A selection of ancient grains, including crunchy farro and popped sorghum, for added texture
- Dabs of artisanal butter, specifically those enriched with culture or mixed with herbs
No matter if you're a purist who cherishes the timeless flavors or a thrill-seeker eager for inventive blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At Crust & Crumb Haven, we honor the timeless classics and, at the same time, celebrate culinary creativity—it's why both age-old favorites like Margherita and avant-garde creations feature on our menu.
Which of these topping trends have you tried? Is there a particular combination you're eager to find on our menu? Do let us know with a comment or during your upcoming visit!