As each year unfolds, the pizza industry witnesses fresh culinary fads, and 2023 stands out with its own. Here at BiteSettle, our mission is to stay ahead by tracking global tastes preferred by pizza connoisseurs. We present the top pizza toppings that have caused a sensation in 2023.
1. Preserved Veggies
Emphasizing gut wellness, preserved veggies have carved out their niche on pizza menus, contributing a savory zing that balances out the creamy cheese and rich sauces. These tangy toppings give a nod to health benefits with their probiotic properties, while also infusing new textures.
Introducing our Fermentation Fiesta pizza: a unique blend of in-house sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all melded together with a hint of local honey to soften the sour edge. This unorthodox mix is swiftly gaining popularity as a fan-favorite specialty pizza.
2. Plant-Derived Proteins
The wave of plant-based diets has not crested, contributing to an increased appetite for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Our menu embraces this movement by offering not just the regular veggie toppings but a host of plant-based proteins that appeal to devout carnivores as well.
Toppings such as plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit in a 'pulled pork' style, and 'pepperoni' made from pea protein have all found a home on our roster. These aren't limited to vegetarians; many patrons opt for them for their distinct tastes and ease of digestion.
3. Distinctive Chili Flavors
For those who favor a fiery kick, 2023 is the year that welcomed specific regional chili peppers, moving away from the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be cherished, other varieties such as Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are growing in popularity on our pizzas.
Try our International Heat pizza for a fiery mix of chilies, each delivering distinct flavors to different pizza sections, an absolute hit with our more daring clientele.
4. Wild Foraged Toppings
Harvested wild ingredients direct from nature's pantry are the latest phenomenon in pizzas. Leading the way, wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are appearing during their growth seasons.
We're also exploring wild ramps, aquatic plants such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their aromatic appeal. These foraged additions forge a connection with nature while providing unparalleled flavors.
5. Honey Infusions
The interplay of honey's sweetness with savory notes is now a standard gourmet offering. Riding the wave of spicy honey variety's success, 2023 has unveiled a surge of unique honey types for pre-serving drizzles on pizzas.
We're talking exotic truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD. These final touches enhance even the simplest of pizzas with their rich, intricate flavors.
Honorable Mentions
Apart from our top selections, other noteworthy toppings that are stirring interest include:
- Cured egg yolks adding an opulent finish akin to fine dusting
- Picked fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, adding crunch with crispy farro or burst sorghum
- Unusual butter varieties, such as cultured or various herb-enriched butters
No matter if your preference lies with time-honored classics or you have a penchant for novel tastes, pizza remains the quintessential versatile and cherished dish. At BiteSettle, we respect time-honored recipes while also adopting gastronomic novelties — our assortment spans from the quintessential Margherita to the avant-garde specialty creations.
Have you savored any of these trendsetting toppings? Or maybe you have a distinctive topping combination in mind for our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by to tell us!