Year after year, pizza aficionados are treated to new trending ingredients, and the year 2023 is no different. At SilentMarineRow, we diligently track what delights the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Behold the roundup of the most talked-about and adored pizza toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Veggies
With a growing spotlight on digestive health, fermented veggies have emerged as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend an intricate zestiness that pairs well with creamy cheese and robust sauces. Besides their probiotic properties, these fermented additions also infuse new textural experiences into the classic pizza.
Featured on our menu is the Fermentation Fiesta pizza which boasts our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, harmonized with a splash of artisanal honey to counteract the sour notes. This unconventional combo has swiftly ascended to become one of our most sought-after specialties.
2. Plant-Derived Proteins
As plant-based diets gain momentum, there's been a noticeable uptick in pizza laden with imaginative meat substitutes. Pizza now goes beyond simple veggie toppings, as breakthroughs in plant-sourced proteins provide selections that charm even the staunchest carnivores.
Options like vegan Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, delectably marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni shapes now grace our offerings. These protein alternatives captivate customers not only for their sustainability but also for their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Chili Varietals From Across the Globe
2023 has seen aficionados of spicy food prefer specific types of chilies over the usual red pepper flakes for their pizzas. While Calabrian chilies persist in popularity, variants such as the Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and bold Korean gochujang have been embraced by pizza enthusiasts.
Try our Global Heat pizza for an array of these chilies, assigning its unique heat and taste to distinct sections of the pie. It's a culinary journey through spice that has garnered favor with our more daring customers.
4. Wild-Harvested, Seasonal Ingredients
The connection between the wilderness and your pizza plate has never been more evident with the rising demand for wild-foraged, seasonal toppings. Forest mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, frequently feature based on their seasonal availability.
We've also ventured into using spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These forageable elements not only bring unique flavors to the pizza but also bridge the gap between our customers and the untouched wilderness.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought out by honey has become a mainstay trend. Continuing from the hot honey trend of past years, 2023 has introduced a surge of special honey versions judiciously drizzled on pizzas just before being served.
Varied types like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey combined with CBD have started popping up in pizzerias nationwide. These final drizzles add layers of complexity, transforming standard pizzas into refined culinary experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that have nearly made our top five yet still stand out include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated generously over the pizza for a rich umami punch
- Pickled fruit, with an emphasis on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for added texture, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet butter touches, in particular those enhanced with culture or mixed with herbs
Whether you're an enthusiast of timeless pizza classics or a culinary explorer open to novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At SilentMarineRow, we honor pizza-making heritage while embracing new flavors and techniques—that's why our menu spans from the iconic Margherita to innovative gourmet creations.
Have you sampled any of these pizza topping trends? Or are there any unique topping combinations you'd be excited to see on our menu? Drop your thoughts in the comments or mention them during your next visit!