Each year unveils new tastes that transform the pizza scene, and 2023 is following suit. At CreativeOutcomes, tracking what's delighting pizza aficionados worldwide is our passion. Take a look at our curated selections that spotlight the most thrilling and favored pizza toppings this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables have taken the pizza industry by storm, riding the wave of gut-health awareness. These toppings, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, are lending a tangy depth of flavor that perfectly balances against the creamy cheese and robust sauce. Not only do they offer probiotic qualities, but they also bring an exciting new aspect of texture to classic pizza offerings.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, adorned with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a delectable gorgonzola, and lightly drizzled with local honey mitigates the sourness, is gaining rapid popularity.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of interest in plant-based diets has led to a growing audience for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Moving past traditional veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based protein have introduced selections that win over even committed carnivores.
Options like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, savory tempeh, and peptide-rich pepperoni made from peas are now staples on our menu. These toppings aren't only for those avoiding meat—they're chosen by many for their distinct taste profiles and digestional ease.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are finding joy in the embrace of specific chilies from various regions in lieu of the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have sustained their allure, this year we've witnessed the introduction of Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoked ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang as featured pizza spices.
Our International Heat pizza is a spicy voyage in each bite, with a collage of these distinct regional chilies, each adding a unique touch to separate sectors of the pizza. It's a favorite among our most daring guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing trend has widened its scope from farms to forests with the burgeoning appeal of seasonally foraged items. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing in their peak seasons.
We're also incorporating other wild edibles such as spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an unusual aromatic twist. These elements offer a connection to nature and flavors that aren't attainable through conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors of honey on pizza have become a mainstay, extending beyond the honey trend of recent years. In 2023, we've seen a variety of specialty honeys like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey with a smoky essence, and CBD-infused honey emerge on menus nationwide. These final touches add an intricate flair that upgrades even modest pizza creations to gourmet fare.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few other toppings that are garnering attention, despite narrowly missing the top of our list:
- Preserved egg yolks, delicately grating over pizzas for a luxurious effect
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums getting special notice
- Ancient grains like crispy farro or puffed sorghum for additional crunch
- Gourmet spreads of artisan butter, especially those cultured or infused with herbs
Regardless of whether you're a purist devoted to timeless favorites or an explorer eager for innovative fusions, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and universally cherished dishes. At CreativeOutcomes, we celebrate age-old traditions while also welcoming new creations, which is why our menu features both the perennial favorite Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings yet? Or perhaps you have a novel topping combo you'd love for us to introduce? Share your thoughts below in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!