Each new year introduces fresh trends to the pizza universe, and 2023 has brought its own set of innovations. At DriftWooden, we consistently track global trends that enchant pizza enthusiasts. Below is a list of top-notch pizza toppings that have conquered the gastronomical scene for the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health awareness has led to an unexpected success in the adoption of fermented vegetables on pizzas, contributing sharp, savory flavors that balance out the creamy cheese base. These toppings, extending from homemade kimchi to sauerkraut and pickled onions, are not only healthy with their probiotic qualities but also introduce a novel textural element into classic pizza profiles.
The unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut and kimchi partnered with gorgonzola and a sweet local honey drizzle, counteracting the acidity and quickly becoming a sought-after choice among specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets maintain their popularity, the demand for pizza options with meat alternatives has surged. These innovative toppings surpass traditional ones, with choices like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, and pepperoni made from pea protein gracing our menu, captivating not just vegetarians but all customers for their distinct tastes and lighter impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase spice, 2023 sees the embrace of specific chilies from varied regions, stepping away from generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain favorites, new contenders such as the sweet-spiced Aleppo, the smoky Spanish ñora, the tropical Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang have found their places atop pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza presents a combination of four different chilies, each lending a distinctive flavor to segments of the pie, an offering that has pleased our more zealous customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The dynamic from farm-to-table has transitioned to forest-to-pizza with the rise of foraged ingredients. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and morels, but our venture into foraging has extended to wild leeks, sea greens like dulse, and fragrant spruce tips, connecting consumers to nature and tastes not achievable through cultivated means.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas have locked in their place in culinary trends, following the path paved by hot honey. In 2023, the variety has exploded to include flavors like truffle-infused honey, smoky mesquite, fermented garlic, and even CBD honey, adding sophistication and gastronomic delight to even the simplest pizza combinations.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly made our top list but deserve a shoutout include:
- Grated cured egg yolks offering a unique flavor and texture akin to dusting with cheese
- Marinated fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grains adding crunch and texture like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dabs of artisanal butter, particularly types infused with herbs or cultured for enhanced flavor
Whether your preference lies with timeless classics or the allure of trying innovative blends, the versatility of pizza ensures there's a creation for every palate. At DriftWooden, we celebrate age-old traditions while also exploring bold new creations, offering everything from the iconic Margherita to avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings, or is there a distinct combination you'd like to propose for our menu? Share in the comments or during your next visit!