As the pizza industry continuously evolves, each year unfailingly introduces trending ingredients, and the year 2023 is no different. Here at GlimMerfen, we diligently track the newest favorites of pizza aficionados worldwide. In this summary, we present the top trending pizza toppings that have been making a splash across the pizza landscape.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With gut health becoming an essential focus for many, fermented veggies have emerged as a surprising go-to topping on pizzas this year. The savory depth of cheese and tangy sauces are perfectly matched by the complex flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions. These toppings don't just offer probiotic perks; they also add an intriguing textural twist to the pizza experience.
Our unique Fermentation Fanfare pizza layers homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all finessed with a touch of local honey to counteract the sharpness. It might seem like an unconventional mix, but it is quickly rising to become a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascendancy of plant-based diets is evident, marked by a surging interest in meat alternative toppings on pizzas. Beyond typical vegetable additions, plant-based protein innovations are providing options that impress even the staunchest carnivores.
Our menu now regularly features plant-based crumbles akin to Italian sausage, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These proteins are a hit not only among vegetarians but also with customers seeking distinctive tastes and a lighter eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a spicy bite, 2023 has welcomed an embrace of specific regional chilies over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrese chilies remain a prevalent choice from past years, with the addition of distinctly flavored peppers like smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang now showing up on pizza menus.
The Global Heat pizza from our kitchen offers a diverse mix of four separate regional chilies, each lending a distinct flavor profile to various sections of the pizza for a fiery culinary expedition appreciated by our adventurous patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing ethos took a wild turn with the trend of including foraged seasonal ingredients on pizzas, with a highlight on wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that become available in their peak seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our inventive toppings have included spring wild leeks (ramps), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. Providing a connection to the wilderness, these ingredients introduce flavors otherwise unavailable through conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory epitomized by honey has established itself as a delightful mainstay on the gourmet pizza scene. Building on the popularity of spicy honey, this year has seen a surge in the use of various artisanal honeys added as a final flourish to pizzas just before serving.
Our creative honey options include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite-infused honey. These honeys don't just add sweetness but elevate the pizza with depth and sophistication.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly made our list but are definitely worth mentioning include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pie for a rich umami experience
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain toppings such as toasted farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter drops, including cultured or mixed herb butters for depth of flavor
Whether you steadfastly stand by classic toppings or are open to exploring daring new flavor pairings, pizza retains its place as one of the most beloved and versatile dishes on the planet. At GlimMerfen, we pay homage to the classics while also welcoming culinary innovation, which is why our menu boasts both the timeless Margherita and pioneering specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you have a bespoke topping combination in mind that you'd like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!