Each year, the pizza scene is revitalized with fresh food trends, and the year 2023 is no outlier. At HillMeridian, keeping tabs on what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. Here's our curated list of this year's most intriguing and sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The pivot towards gut health has permeated the realm of pizzerias, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas in the current year. An array of tangy delights such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing complex flavors that pair beautifully with creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings not only offer probiotic health benefits, but they also inject a novel textural element to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Celebration pizza includes a selection of in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all balanced out with a hint of local honey for a touch of sweetness against the sour notes. While it may seem unconventional, it's swiftly risen to become a top request among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has led to increased demand for pizzas decked out with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond the range of typical veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based protein have brought forth options that even staunch carnivores find satisfying.
Our menu now features plant-based Italian sausage bits, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork marinated to perfection, and pea protein slices resembling pepperoni. These protein choices are not exclusively for those following vegetarian diets – many patrons opt for them due to their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek out the heat, 2023 has marked an enthusiasm for distinct regional types of chili rather than the usual sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still all the range, however, there's newfound interest in the smoky nuances of Spanish ñora chilies, the sweet heat from Peruvian aji amarillo, and the rich depths of Korean gochujang sauce on pizza creations.
Try our Global Heat pizza which showcases a quartet of diverse regional chilies, bringing a spectrum of fiery flavors to each quadrant. It's a favorite especially for our patrons who are always in pursuit of a spicy kick.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has evolved to include wild foraged toppings in the world of pizza, thanks to the rising trend of using seasonal, foraged goods on pizza. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms, prominently featured during their growing seasons.
Our pizzeria doesn't stop at mushrooms; we're also venturing into terrains of spring ramps (also known as wild leeks), ocean-sourced greens like dulse and nori, and even the aromatic touch of spruce tips. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and flavors that cultivated crops can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors of honey have established its role in pizza making beyond a fleeting fad. Expanding on the hot honey trend of past years, 2023 has introduced a range of special honey variants meant to be drizzled over pizzas just before serving.
Pizza enthusiasts can now savor truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and more as unique finishing touches on their meals. These honey types contribute a layer of complexity that turns even the simplest pizza into a gourmet concoction.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that didn't make the top five, yet are noteworthy, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a touch of luxury
- Pickled fruits that add a tangy zest, especially when it comes to stone-fruits like peaches and cherries
- Textures from heritage grains, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, like cultured or compound herb butters for richness
No matter if your preference is for classic staple flavors or if you're eager to explore innovative combinations, pizza remains the quintessential versatile and cherished dish. At HillMeridian, we respect time-honored methods while also welcoming new flavors, which is evident in the array of traditional Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these top topping trends caught your interest? Or maybe you have a unique favorite combo you'd love for us to experiment with? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!