The pizza horizon is ever-expanding, and the year 2023 has unveiled an array of innovative toppings that are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide. At WillowQuarter, our team stays ahead of the curve, keeping tabs on the latest topping sensations. Dive into our curated selection of this year's topping trends that are stirring up excitement.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As digestive wellness gains spotlight in pizzerias, fermented vegetables are becoming an unexpected sensation atop pizzas. Adding a complex, tangy zest, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are wonderfully balancing the creamy cheese flavors. These toppings are not just probiotic powerhouses but also add an innovative array of textures to traditional pizzas.
Featuring our Fermentation Fiesta pie, it comes with a house-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, lightly drizzled with regional honey to temper the sharpness. This unique medley has swiftly turned into one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The swell in popularity of plant-based eating is mirrored in the demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Expanding beyond the usual veggie options, plant-based protein advancements have birthed choices that even the staunchest meat fans appreciate.
Italian sausage substitutes made from plants, spiced tempeh, jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni facsimiles are now mainstays on our menu. They're captivating not only vegetarians but also customers who prefer their flavors and ease of digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
A yearning for heat has led pizza aficionados to embrace distinct regional chili varieties over the standard crushed red pepper. Having retained its popularity, Calabrian chilies are joined by Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and potent Korean gochujang as favored pizza embellishments.
Our International Inferno pie presents a selection of four distinct regional chilies, each lending its unique taste profile to distinct portions of the pizza, creating a spicy sojourn that our bolder patrons have particularly favored.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has extended its reach from farmsteads to forests, as foraged seasonal items gain popularity on pizzas. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing our creations in tune with their seasonal cycles.
Apart from mushrooms, our experimental flavors have included wild spring ramps, sea-based greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips imparting a unique aromatic trait. These ingredients foster a connection with the wild while delivering unmatched flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting notes of sweet honey have definitively marked their place beyond a fleeting fad. On the heels of the popular spicy honey, 2023 has ushered in a variety of specialty honeys that garnish our pizzas just before serving.
Honey infused with truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and specialty CBD-enhanced honeys have found their way onto menus nationwide. These final drizzles contribute a layer of depth and transform even the simplest pizza to a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Although these toppings missed our top five, they also deserve a nod for their impact:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a velvety finish
- Pickled stone fruits like peaches and plums for a tart twist
- Ancient grain add-ons, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, including varieties with cultured or herbal infusions
Whether your preference lies with timeless classics or the thrill of innovative pairings, pizza retains its standing as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes across the globe. At WillowQuarter, we celebrate time-honored traditions while inviting novelty—that’s why our selection spans from the iconic Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Have these trendy toppings made it to your plate? Or is there a unique topping blend you’d love us to craft? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!