The pizza landscape is ever-evolving, presenting new taste preferences with each year. At PlatePivot, our goal is to stay ahead of what pizza aficionados worldwide find delectable. Here, we list the top pizza toppings that have captured the limelight in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has permeated the pizza industry, with pickled vegetables rising as an unexpected favorite. Pizza garnishes like kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions offer zesty complexities that perfectly offset the creamy base of cheese and tomato. These toppings don't just contribute a probiotic punch but also add intriguing textural elements.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with our own sauerkraut, in-house kimchi, and gorgonzola, drizzled with regional honey, has become a surprising fan-favorite, combining non-traditional flavors that resonate surprisingly well with our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-centric diets has led to increased requests for plant-based meats on our pizzas. Diverging from the usual veggies, the new array of vegetarian proteins has won over even the most committed carnivores.
Options such as vegan Italian sausage, flavored tempeh bits, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These choices aren't only popular among vegetarians, but also for their distinctive tastes and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has seen spice enthusiasts seeking specific types of chilies to amp up their pizzas instead of the usual chili flakes. While Calabrian chilies are still a hot favorite, now there's a trend towards nuanced varieties like Aleppo peppers, fragrant Spanish ñora peppers, zesty Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang chili paste.
Our International Hearth pizza is a spicy odyssey, showcasing a mix of four different regional chilies, each lending a distinct taste profile to particular sections. It's a daring option that's found favor particularly among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What started as the farm-to-table approach has deepened into what might be called the woods-to-pizza movement. There's a growing demand for naturally foraged ingredients like unique mushroom varieties, including chanterelles, morels, or hen of the woods during their natural harvest periods.
In addition to mushrooms, our experimental pizzas have included spring ramps (wild leeks), marine greens such as dulse and nori, and even fir tips to impart a distinctive scent. These natural ingredients awaken a connection to Earth while imparting unique flavors not found in farmed produce.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that are also garnering attention include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for an opulent touch
- Pickled fruits such as peaches and plums, which introduce a delightful twist
- Grains with heritage, like crisped farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter, especially varieties enhanced with culture or herbal infusions
Whether your preferences lean towards the time-honored classics or you're open to exploring novel flavorful mixtures, pizza remains one of the most versatile and endearing dishes worldwide. At PlatePivot, we celebrate the time-honored recipes while also welcoming new culinary creations—our menu reflects this with both the revered Margherita and the latest signature pies.
Are any of these trending toppings on your list of favorites? Or perhaps you have an exclusive combination in mind that you'd love to see us offer? Share your ideas in the comments or the next time you drop by!