As the pizza scene evolves, 2023 has ushered in fresh and trending toppings that are taking center stage. At InfiniteAvenues, our goal is to stay at the forefront of what's taking the pizza world by storm. Below are the top pizza toppings that are dominating the flavor profiles this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a top priority for pizza aficionados, and as a result, fermented vegetables are stealing the spotlight. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with a unique tangy kick that pairs perfectly with traditional cheeses and sauces. Not only do these fermented offerings have probiotic qualities, but they also add unexpected textures to the pizza canvas.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, with its in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished off with a local honey drizzle, may be unorthodox but has quickly become a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With an increase in plant-focused diets, the desire for veggie-covered pizzas is growing. But beyond ordinary toppings, there's been a surge in plant-based protein toppings that could fool even the most ardent of carnivores.
From crumbled plant-based Italian sausage to tempeh, jackfruit, and pea protein varieties, these have become staple ingredients on our menu. Customers are selecting these options not just for their dietary preferences but for their distinctive tastes and lighter feel during digestion.
3. Chilies from Specific Regions
Those wanting an extra kick are no longer reaching for plain red pepper flakes; instead, they're tapping into the world of exotic and regional chilies for their pizzas. While Calabrian chilies remain a favorite, other chilies like Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now gracing the top of pizzas.
Our Worldly Heat pizza is a hit among customers looking for a spice-filled journey with a quartet of distinct chilies, each representing different parts of the globe.
4. Foraged Ingredients of the Season
Foraging ingredients is no longer just for the wilderness; it's a notion that's found its way into the pizzeria. Leading this craze are wild mushrooms like chanterelles and hen of the woods, which are brought out during their peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've incorporated wild ramps, sea flora such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for that inimitable aromatic experience. These nature-sourced items offer diners a connection to the wild and flavors that can't be replicated by farming alone.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The dance between sweet and savory that honey brings to a pizza has become a consistent preference. Following the trend of hot honey in the past, this year has introduced a range of specialty honey variations used as a final flourish on pizzas.
We're talking about options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and exotic smoky mesquite honey. These drizzles are the perfect final touch, transforming even the simplest of pizzas into an exquisite culinary experience.
Honorable Mentions
While the following toppings didn't make the main list, they are nonetheless contributing to the pizza topping scene:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich finish
- Sour stone fruits, including varieties like peaches and plums
- Whole grains for adding crunch such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Butters with a gourmet twist, such as cultured or compound herb varieties
No matter if you're a purist preferring timeless classics or a culinary explorer ready for innovative flavors, pizza remains a favorite, versatile dish globally. At InfiniteAvenues, we honor timeless recipes while also introducing novel creations, which is why our menu features the traditional Margherita as well as avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have any of these latest toppings graced your pizza lately, or do you have an original topping combo in mind that you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments section or during your next visit.