As pizza continues to evolve, each year unveils new trends in the pizza topping realm, and 2023 is ripe with innovation. At SmoothLine, our finger is consistently on the pulse of global pizza aficionados' preferences. Here is our digest of this year's top pizza topping sensations.
1. Pickled and Fermented Vegetables
As gut health garners more attention, pizza hasn't been left out, with pickled and fermented veggies becoming an unexpected topping sensation. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are offering zesty depths of flavor that enrich the cheese and tomato base. Not only do these toppings offer a probiotic boost, but they also add a novel texture to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a crowd-pleaser with its in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese blend, topped off with locally sourced honey to mellow the acidity. It might be unconventional, but it's a hit that's growing in demand.
2. Meat Substitutes from Plants
As more individuals opt for plant-based diets, there's been a surge in pizzas topped with meat-free alternatives. Beyond ordinary veggie toppings, newfound meat substitutes are capturing the palates of even staunch carnivores.
Vegetarian crumbles reminiscent of Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein-based pepperoni are now staples in our kitchen. These alternatives are enticing not just vegetarians but many customers looking for distinctive tastes and a less heavy eating experience.
3. Chilies from Specific Regions
Those who love their pizzas with a kick are gravitating towards particular types of chilies over generic hot spices. Though Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, we are now introducing a range of exotic chilies like smoky ñoras from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our International Spice pizza is a journey of heat with a quartet of unique chilies applied to each quadrant of the pie, appealing to our most thrill-seeking customers.
4. Seasonally Foraged Add-ins
Foraged ingredients are increasingly gracing pizzas in a nod to the bush-to-table ethos. Leading the way are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake appearing on pizzas during their natural growing seasons.
We're also showcasing wild leeks in the spring, various seaweeds, and aromatic spruce tips, introducing diners to unparalleled natural flavors that simply cannot be farmed.
5. Varied Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory flavor profiles on pizza has become more pronounced with the addition of diverse specialty honey drizzles. Hot honey's popularity paved the way, and now the trend has expanded to include exotic variants such as truffle-infused honey, garlic-fermented honey, smoky honey, and more.
These drizzles add a sophisticated twist and can transform even basic pizzas into gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
Some other close contenders that are still causing a stir include:
- Topping with finely grated cured egg yolks
- Pickled fruits, including peaches and plums in particular
- Using heritage grains for texture like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, like cultured or blended herb varieties
Whether you stick to classic favorites or dare to venture into novel territory, pizza continues to be a diverse and cherished dish worldwide. At SmoothLine, we respect timeless recipes and also pursue culinary creativity, evident in our range from traditional Margherita to avant-garde gourmet creations.
Have any of these up-and-coming toppings made it to your plate? Or do you have a unique topping mix in mind you'd want us to try? Share with us in the comments, or tell us during your next visit!