With each new year, the pizza industry embraces fresh culinary trends, and 2023 has its own unique set. Here at HillStream, our team is dedicated to discovering what's tantalizing the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below, we present the top pizza toppings that are the talk of 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has found its way into the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected topping favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with intricate, tangy tastes that perfectly balance out the creamy cheese and sauce. Not only do these toppings add probiotic advantages, but they also offer a novel twist on the pizza's texture.
Try our Fermentation Celebration pizza, topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, and a drizzle of local honey to soften the sharp flavors. This fusion might seem unconventional, yet it's swiftly becoming a sought-after choice.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has ushered in a heightened demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat-free alternatives. Far from basic veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based proteins offers choices that can gratify even ardent meat enthusiasts.
We have supplemented our menu with plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings aren't just for plant-based diners—our customers favor them for their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who savor spice are in for a treat! In lieu of generic chili flakes, pizza lovers in 2023 are celebrating distinct chili varieties from different regions. Favorites like Calabrian chilies persist in popularity, and we're observing a trend of other distinct peppers like the smoky Aleppo, the Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making their mark.
Explore our Global Heat pizza that showcases a selection of four regional chilies, each providing a unique kick to the pizza. This daring creation caters to our more adventurous clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Continuing the ethos of farm-to-table, wild foraged ingredients have become a hit in the pizza world. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are added to pies in their peak seasons.
Aside from mushrooms, other foraged delicacies are making their way onto pizzas, such as wild ramps (wild leeks), coastal greens like dulse and nori, and even pine tips for their singular aromatic essence. These natural elements not only connect eaters with the wilderness but also imbue pies with flavors that cannot be replicated.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The mix of sweet and savory brought about by honey has now become a mainstay topping choice. Following the trend of spicy honey, 2023 has seen an array of unique honeys making their way onto pizzas, just before serving.
Selections vary from truffle-infused honey to honey fermented with garlic, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey blended with CBD, appearing on pizza menus nationwide. These gourmet drizzles add layers of sophistication, transforming even the simplest pizza into a deluxe treat.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to our main list, a few other noteworthy toppings that have gained attention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami taste
- Pickled fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains for topping, adding elements like the crunch of crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Specialty butters, specifically including cultured or herbed compound varieties
Whether you're inclined to stick to timeless favorites or are eager to explore pioneering flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes around the globe. At HillStream, we respect the roots of pizza-making while also championing new ideas—hence, you'll find both the authentic Margherita and trailblazing specialty pizzas on our menu.
Are there any current topping trends you've experienced? Or maybe you have a distinctive topping combination you think we should feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!