Each year, the pizza scene is reinvented with fresh gastronomic inclinations, and the year 2023 brings forth its share. At HarborSideCommons, we keep a close eye on the flavours that are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide. Below, we present the topping trends that are defining pizza in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing digestive wellness has led to fermented vegetables securing a top spot as pizza toppings this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with intricate, zesty tastes that harmonize superbly with the creamy texture of cheese and savory pizza sauces. These toppings render probiotic advantages while adding novel textures to the classic pizza experience.
Our novel offering, the Ferment Fiesta pie, combines our signature sauerkraut, kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, topped with a splash of local sweet honey to temper the sour notes. This distinctive blend may appear unconventional, yet it’s fast becoming one of our highly posed for custom pies.
2. Plant-Derived Proteins
The ascent of plant-based dietary habits has prompted an upsurge in pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitutes. Beyond typical veggies, advancements in plant-derived proteins have unveiled alternatives that even steadfast carnivores can appreciate.
Our menu now proudly showcases items like plant-based Italian sausage granules, well-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit “pulled pork” marinaded, and “pepperoni” crafted from pea protein. These toppings cater not only to vegetarians but also to customers craving distinct flavors and a more digestible meal option.
3. Regional Chili Flavors
2023 is the year for those who favor the fiery side, as pizza lovers are increasingly seeking out specific types of regional chilies over generic pepper flakes. The popularity of Calabrian chilies holds strong, joined now by Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilies imparting a smoky essence, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Koren gochujang sauce.
Our Heatwave of the World pizza is a showcase for a selection of these chilies, each lending their own distinctive taste to portions of the pizza, offering a piquant exploration that's been a hit with our more daring patrons.
4. Wild-Harvested Seasonal Ingredients
The ethos of sourcing directly from nature has introduced a new wave of wild toppings straight from the forest to your pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with sought-after varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing on pizzas when they are in season.
Exploring beyond fungi, we've been innovating with wild ramps, marine vegetation like dulse and nori seaweed, and even tree-derived spruce tips for their unparalleled aromatic properties. These foraged ingredients forge a connection to the wilderness and provide incomparable flavors that cultivated produce simply cannot match.
5. Artisanal Honey Glazes
A drizzle of honey has secured its place as a favored sweet contrast on pizza. Expanding on the trend of spicy honey from past years, 2023 spotlights the surge of specialty honey variations being applied as finishing touches on pizzas.
Honeys infused with truffles, aged garlic, a smoky mesquite character, and even honey with CBD infusion are making their mark on the nation's pizzerias. These honeys lend a layer of complexity and can elevate even the simplest pizza to a gourmet level.
Noteworthy Acknowledgments
Some other toppings that nearly made it onto our primary list but are certainly leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolk, elegantly shaved over pizzas for a radiant effect
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains used as toppings, like the textured crispy farro or the poppable sorghum
- Dollops of boutique butter varieties, specifically those cultured or blended with herbs
Whether you stick to the tried-and-true traditional toppings or you’re one to sample daring new flavor pairings, pizza remains the ultimate customizable and cherished dish. At HarborSideCommons, we pay homage to the conventional while pioneering the novel - which is why our menu boasts the timeless Margherita alongside our innovative signature creations.
Experienced any of these top-ranking toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite combo you'd like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you next pay a visit!