With each passing year, the pizza universe is infused with new gastronomic fashions, and 2023 follows suit. At StonePassage, our fingers are on the pulse of global pizza palate preferences. Let us delve into this year's standout pizza toppings that have captured the fancy of pizza aficionados.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizza has caught up with the gut health trend, with an upsurge in fermented vegetables as a top pick for toppings this year. A variety of tangy delights such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a profound zest while pairing exceptionally with the creamy cheese and sauce. Not only do these fermented fixings offer probiotic goodness, but they also add intriguing new textures to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fest pizza at our pizzeria is a crowd-pleaser, showcasing in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped with a sweet touch of local honey to contrast the tart flavors. It might be an unexpected mix, but it's earning rave reviews and becoming a highly sought-after dish.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward dining has translated into a growing demand for pizzas adorned with inventive non-meat options. Moving beyond basic veggies, the introduction of plant-based proteins has given rise to new toppings that even convince the most ardent carnivores.
Now starring on our menu are toppings such as plant-based Italian sausage pieces, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork marinaded in savory sauces, and pea protein pepperoni. These protein choices draw in more than just vegetarians—people love them for their distinct tastes and because they're easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a dash of heat, 2023 sees pizza lovers favoring distinct regional chilies over the commonplace crushed red pepper. The fiery Calabrian chilies remain popular, with newcomers like smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang also bursting onto the scene.
Our Global Heat pizza is a journey through spice with a range featuring four different regional chilies, each lending its distinct taste to various sectors of the pizza. This spicy escapade is especially popular with our patrons inclined towards culinary adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-table has transformed into a more wild approach with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction on pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, coming up on menus in their peak seasons.
Further, our foraging experiments have brought ingredients like spring ramps (wild garlic), sea plants like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips contributing an aromatic twist. Such toppings forge a connection with the wild and offer palate delights that cultivated options simply can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has carved out its niche in the world of pizza with its ability to cut through savory elements, and in 2023 we're witnessing an array of unique honey varieties drizzled over pizzas. This includes truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey laced with CBD, adding a final gourmet flourish to pizzas across the culinary landscape.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly made the cut but are still causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich umami presence
- Quick-pickled fruits with a penchant for stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes such as toasted farro or popped sorghum, bringing crunch
- Smears of artisanal butter, whether cultured or seasoned with fresh herbs
Whether you swear by the tried-and-true classics or you're eager to explore audacious new flavor amalgamations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At StonePassage, we pay homage to time-honored traditions whilst embracing the new—that's why our menu reflects both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these avant-garde toppings graced your palate? Or perhaps you have an inventive topping duo you'd wish to see on our menu? Do share in the comments or on your next visit!