New pizza gastronomy trends emerge every year, and 2023 is no different. At SignaPrompt, our commitment is to track and bring to our audience what’s currently captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you the top pizza toppings of the year that are causing a sensation.
1. Lacto-Fermented Produce
There's been a contemporary pivot towards gut-friendly food within pizzerias, leading to lacto-fermented produce topping the popularity charts for pizza garnishes. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled shallots are contributing nuanced sour flavors that harmonize well with creamy cheese and robust sauces. Beyond their probiotic qualities, these ingredients add unexpected textural elements to classical pizza varieties.
Our Fermented Fiesta pie features in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, crowned with a touch of regional honey to counteract the sourness. This mix may seem atypical, but has swiftly become a crowd favorite amongst our specialty pizzas.
2. Meat-Free Protein Alternatives
The upsurge in plant-centered diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas that showcase inventive non-meat proteins. We are moving beyond the garden-variety veggie toppings, as advances in plant-derived proteins offer selections that even staunch carnivores enjoy.
Pizza varieties adorned with plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavor-marinated tempeh, jackfruit simulating pulled pork, and pea protein posing as pepperoni now commonly populate our menu. These toppings attract not only vegetarians but also customers looking for distinctive tastes and gentler digestion.
3. Distinctive Regional Peppers
2023 has been a year where pizza lovers are seeking the piquant flavors of unique regional peppers over the ubiquitous red chili flakes. Calabrian chilies continue their enduring presence, while peppers such as Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are being featured more prominently on pizzas.
Notably, our International Zest pie offers a combination of four distinct regional peppers, providing a distinct taste sensation for each segment of the pizza. This spicy escapade enjoys a special appeal among our patrons who enjoy bold flavors.
4. Wild Harvested Seasonal Ingredients
With its roots in the farm-to-table philosophy, foraged seasonal ingredients on pizza such as forest-grown mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, hen of the woods are making their mark. These are available during their specific seasons and add a natural allure to pizzas.
We're also exploring flavorful additions like wild leeks, ocean-derived greens such as dulse and nori, and even the aromatic tips of the spruce tree. These wild ingredients bring diners closer to nature and possess flavors that can't be replicated under cultivation.
5. Exclusive Honey Glazes
Honey's role in forming a sweet and savory alliance on pizza has solidified its place as a persistent favorite. With this in mind, 2023 has seen a proliferation of specialized honey types drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Infused honeys like those enriched with truffle essence, fermented garlic, mesquite smokiness, and CBD bring intricate nuances to the fore, turning straightforward pizza creations into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that have narrowly missed our main list but are nonetheless creating buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded atop the pizza
- Marinated fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits such as apricots and nectarines
- Ancient grain enhancements, like crispy emmer wheat or puffed amaranth for added crunch
- Gourmet butter variations, particularly those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're game for new, adventurous flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. SignaPrompt pays homage to tradition even as we venture into innovative tastes and combinations—you'll discover both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde pies on our menu.
We’re keen to know—have you sampled any of these fresh toppings? Or maybe you have a distinctive favorite blend you wish we'd feature? Drop us a line in the comments or share your thoughts during your next visit to us!