Each passing year introduces a fresh wave of gastronomic trends, particularly in the realm of pizza, and 2023 has certainly followed suit. At TableMarketDairy, our commitment to keeping pace with global pizza aficionados' palate preferences is unwavering. We're proud to present a collection of this year's most captivating and esteemed pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With an increased emphasis on digestive health, fermented vegetables have emerged as a top choice for enhancing pizzas in 2023. Kimchi, pickled onions, and sauerkraut are imparting a multifaceted sourness that perfectly blends with the rich flavors of traditional pizza sauces and cheeses. Not only do these toppings supply probiotic advantages, but they also add a novel textural twist to the pizza experience.
Our Gourmet Ferment variety boasts an in-house crafted blend of sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, all unified with a sweet touch of local honey drizzle. This innovative fusion may seem unconventional, but it has swiftly risen to be a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets continue to gain traction, there's been a notable demand for pizzas adorned with ingenious meatless options. Beyond familiar vegetables, we're now offering plant-derived proteins that are satisfying even the most devoted carnivores.
Options, including plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, marinated jackfruit as a substitute for pulled pork, tempeh seasoned for extra flavor, and pea protein crafted into faux pepperoni, have become staples on our menu. Such proteins attract not only vegetarians but also those seeking a distinct taste and a meal that's easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has been a year of celebration for those with an affinity for spice, as pizza lovers have started to appreciate specific regional chilies over generic hot pepper flakes. In addition to the ever-favored Calabrian chilies, we're now witnessing a rise in popularity of chilies such as smoky Spanish ñora, Aleppo pepper, zesty Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The Spice Trail pizza offers a medley of these four distinct regional chilies, each allocated to a different segment of the pizza, providing an exotic array of tastes for those seeking culinary thrill.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Gathering ingredients fresh from their natural source is a burgeoning trend that has caught on in the pizza world. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms—chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods—gracing pizzas with their presence at peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our trials with spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic plants like dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips have brought forth flavors untapped by conventional cultivation, thus realigning our customers with the wilderness.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Playing sweet against savory, the inclusion of honey is now a mainstay. We've seen a burst of various specialty honeys applied as finishing drizzles that take an ordinary pizza to epicurean heights.
From the luxurious truffle honey to mesquite's smokiness, garlic's fermented sweetness, and even a hint of CBD-enhanced honey, we're curating a memorable finish for each distinctive slice.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that were close to making the top list, yet deserve honorable mention, include:
- Salvaged egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a lustrous effect.
- Marinated fruits, particularly peach and plum varieties.
- Crispy kernels of heritage grains like farro or sorghum for added crunch.
- Drops of artisanal butter, including those infused with herbs or cultured to enhance flavor.
Whether you are inclined towards the timeless classics or you're open to taste-testing revolutionary blends, pizza's versatility and global appeal remain unmatched. At TableMarketDairy, we celebrate the traditions of pizza while welcoming new twists—that's why our menu features both the staple Margherita as well as trailblazing gourmet options.
Have you sampled any of these modern toppings? Or do you have your own novel topping combo you'd wish to share? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!