With each new year, the realm of pizza sees fresh trends in flavors, and 2023 has been no different. At OakenHighland, we're continuously tracking the flavors that are captivating the palates of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. We're excited to present you with a list of the top trending pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has found its way into pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies rising to stardom on pies this year. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending their refreshing and tangy zests, which balance perfectly with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are not only buzzing for their probiotic qualities but also for injecting unconventional textures into the usual pizza experience.
Our latest creation, the Fermentation Fiesta pie, features homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese with a drizzle of locally sourced honey to offset the pickled ingredients' sharpness. What might appear as an odd mix at first glance is swiftly becoming a sought-after choice on our specialty menu.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centric diets has led to a surge in demand for pizzas adorned with alternative proteins. Stepping beyond typical veggie toppings, there have been substantial strides in plant-based protein innovations, offering selections that even staunch meat devotees appreciate.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have established their place on our menu. These proteins aren't solely for vegans or vegetarians — many of our patrons select them for their distinctive tastes and their ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a bit of heat, pizza lovers in 2023 are gravitating towards distinct chili varieties from different regions rather than the standard crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies remain beloved, there's now a fondness for unique chilies such as smoky ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the robust Korean gochujang.
The Global Heat pie on our menu is an amalgamation of four different regional chilies, each lending a distinctive taste to every slice. It's a venture into the fiery side of gastronomy that our more daring customers can't seem to get enough of.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Local foraging has transitioned from the wilderness straight to our pizzas, growing in popularity with each changing season. Lead by wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, these ingredients dazzle the menu during their peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our trials with wild leeks, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips have introduced eaters to an array of flavors that can't be harvested in a typical farming setup.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The infusion of honey's sweetness has secured a place on the pizza menu, with 2023 witnessing a variety of specialty honeys gracing these dishes as a final touch before serving.
Exotic varieties such as truffle honey, garlic honey, mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD have made their way into pizzerias across the nation. These toppings intensify and refine the taste experience, lifting a simple pizza to the level of culinary sophistication.
Honorable Mentions
There are also other toppings that, while not making the top five, are nonetheless creating quite a stir:
- Grated cured egg yolks sprinkled generously across the pizza like flakes of gold
- Pickled fruits, particularly orchard varieties such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings including crispy farro or popped sorghum for a delightful crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, specially cultured or mixed with fine herbs
No matter if you're someone who cherishes traditional tastes or a culinary explorer eager for new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most universally loved and versatile dishes. At OakenHighland, we pay homage to long-standing traditions while also wholeheartedly embracing the new — which is why our menu sports both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings yet? Or maybe you have a special topping combination in mind that you'd love to see us create? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!