Each year, the pizza scene is graced with fresh gastronomic trends, and 2023 is no different. At OpenFieldBay, we continuously track the flavors captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our compilation of the top pizza toppings leaving an impression this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness trends have made their way into the pizza industry, with fermented veggies emerging as a surprising topping hit in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending complex zesty notes that balance out the creamy cheese and sauce. Aside from the probiotic advantages, these toppings bring a novel texture component to the traditional pizza experience.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and robust bleu cheese, all topped off with a touch of local honey to diminish the zest. Though it may seem unorthodox, it's swiftly ascending our list of top-requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-based diet maintains its rise in popularity, the demand for pizzas graced with innovative meat substitutions has spiked. Beyond customary veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins have yielded options that please even earnest carnivores.
Options like plant-based ground Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, tangy jackfruit 'pulled pork,' and pea-protein 'pepperoni' have made a home on our menus. These toppings cater to more than just vegetarians, with many guests choosing them for their distinct tastes and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has welcomed individuals with a penchant for spiciness, revealing a penchant for specific chili types over the usual crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity, we're also spotting the incorporation of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizza toppings.
Our Global Spice Journey pizza throws together a mix of these four distinct regional chilies, each lending a unique flavor to its quadrant. This zesty experience has become a hit with our clientele who are eager for culinary adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The direct-from-nature ethos has progressed into the realm of pizza, with a surge in interest for foraged seasonal elements. Leading this charge are wild mushrooms, with sought-after kinds like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in accordance with their growing seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've included things like spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their unique aromatic essence. These ingredients forge a connection to the wild and gift flavors that cannot be replicated in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of savory and sweet accomplished by honey has been solidified as more than a fleeting fad. Following the hot honey craze of recent years, 2023 has observed a burst of specialty honey variations used as final touches on pizzas.
Exquisite types such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have become regulars on menus nationwide. These refined drizzles introduce an added layer of sophistication, turning simple pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few other toppings that barely missed the top five but are still leaving their mark:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a savory dusting
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Whole grain garnishes, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum, for added crunch
- Gourmet butter spots, especially cultured or mixed herb butters
Whether you hold fast to time-honored favorites or are willing to explore novel flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and beloved dishes worldwide. At OpenFieldBay, we pay homage to tradition while welcoming innovative ideas—that's why our menu features both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of the toppings trending this year? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite you'd want to see us offer? Voice your thoughts in the comments or the next time you drop by!