Each year introduces fresh gastronomic fads within the pizza scene, and 2023 doesn't disappoint. At CommonScape, keeping a finger on the pulse of what's delighting pizza aficionados worldwide is our mission. Here’s a look at the top pizza toppings that are winning over palates this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has risen to prominence in pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a fan-favorite topping in 2023. Sour flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a fascinating complexity to the creamy and savory elements of traditional pizza. These toppings are a boon for gut health and add intriguing new textures.
On our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, homemade kimchi, sauerkraut, and blue cheese are harmonized with a sweet touch of artisanal honey for a mouth-watering balance. Although it may seem unconventional, it's swiftly turned into one of our most sought-after gourmet pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, we've observed a surge in pizzas topped with inventive non-meat options that charmed both vegetarians and staunch carnivores alike.
Our menu now boasts items such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pepperoni made from pea protein. These toppings are chosen not just for their ethical appeal, but also for their distinguished flavors and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Offerings
Those who prefer a spicy kick are finding joy in distinct chili varieties from various regions over standard red pepper flakes. Though Calabrian chilis are still a favorite, there’s a growing presence of spices such as smoky Spanish ñora chilis, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and sweet-spicy Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Try our Worldly Spice pizza for an experience of four regional chilis, each adding its special burst of flavor to different parts of the pizza. This pie has become particularly popular among our clientele with a penchant for bold flavors.
4. Seasonally Foraged Elements
Moving from farm-to-table to wild-to-pizza, foraged seasonal ingredients are trending. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels, which come into the spotlight during their natural growing seasons.
Further exploring foraged items, we're incorporating spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse, and spruce tips, which all introduce an unmatched, earthy flavor that can't be matched by cultivated products.
5. Specialty Honey Varieties
The coupling of sweet and savory with a honey drizzle has evolved into a well-established trend. The diverse range of honey, from truffle-infused to fermented garlic, smoky, and more, is revealing itself on pizzas nationwide.
These distinctive honeys are not only garnishes but a way to transform a plain pizza into an extraordinary culinary delight.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings are on the verge of breaking into this year's top list and deserve a shout-out:
- Cured egg yolks adding delicate flavor when finely grated over a pie
- Tangy pickled fruits, including stone fruits like peaches
- Crunchy heritage grains offering a new textural twist
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly those with cultured or herbal twists
No matter if you're someone who cherishes time-tested favorites or a daring eater looking for new flavor ventures, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At CommonScape, we honor the timeless classics while also welcoming modern creativity, which is why our menu features everything from the iconic Margherita to avant-garde creations.
Have you sampled any of these in-vogue toppings? Do you have an innovative mix you're dying to see offered by us? Drop a comment or suggest it during your next visit!