Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 is brimming with them. At GreenHollow, we stay on top of the flavors that are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our list of the most groundbreaking and well-liked pizza toppings that are dominating this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health awareness is spilling into the pizza scene, making fermented veggies a surprising top pick for toppings in 2023. Kimchi, pickled onions, and sauerkraut are delivering complex sour notes that harmonize with the creamy cheese and hearty sauces. These fermented choices aren't just tasty, they also offer probiotic advantages and new textural experiences to pizza.
The Fermentation Celebration pizza at our restaurant, topped with our house-made kimchi, sauerkraut, and gorgonzola cheese, and a drizzle of local honey to counterbalance the sourness, is quickly becoming a signature dish—proving that unconventional mixtures can indeed be crowd-pleasers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise in plant-based eating habits is significantly influencing the type of toppings requested on pizzas, thanks to the burgeoning selection of innovative meat substitutes. Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, seasoned tempeh, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These options aren't exclusive to vegetarians, as many patrons opt for them based on their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating! The year 2023 has seen a trend where pizza lovers are selecting specific regional chili varieties instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have continued their popularity, but other varieties like smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, Aleppo pepper, and Korean gochujang are gaining traction on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a journey through spice with four different chilies from around the world, each imparting their distinct flavor profiles to the pizza, catering to our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from the wilderness to the pizza has become stronger with the emergence of foraged ingredients as a top choice. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms, which include delicacies like hen of the woods, chanterelles, and morels that appear on pizzas during their specific seasons.
We've also been utilizing other wild-harvested ingredients such as ramps, sea vegetables like nori and dulse, and even spruce tips for their aromatic qualities. These additions bring our customers closer to nature and offer tastes that can't be replicated by farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The flavor combination of honey on pizza has gone beyond fad and settled into a staple, as evidenced by the range of specialty honeys turning up on pizzas in 2023. Varieties like smoky mesquite honey, truffle honey, and even CBD-infused honey are distinguishing pizzas across various eateries. These honey types add layers of sophistication, transforming simple pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that didn't make our primary list but have been creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a dusting of umami
- Preserved fruits such as stone fruits, including peaches and plums
- Whole grain additions, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Artisan butters, particularly cultured or herbed varieties, added in dollops
Pizza is a dish that welcomes all, whether you're a purist who loves the classics or one who embraces bold new flavor profiles. At GreenHollow, we pay homage to tradition while also celebrating the new—our menu features timeless Margherita alongside avant-garde creations.
Are any of these trending toppings on your must-try list? Or perhaps you have your own inventive topping combo you’d like us to consider? Share your thoughts below or during your next visit to our establishment!