As each year passes, the realm of pizza witnesses fresh gastronomic trends. In 2023, we at FutureHorizons are closely observing the flavors that pizza aficionados worldwide are raving about. We present to you our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are making a splash in this year's culinary scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's growing importance has spilled over into the pizza industry, with fermented veggies making an unexpected entrance as sought-after toppings. Energizing pizzas with a unique bite and tang are kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, which also come with the added bonus of probiotics. These toppings are revolutionizing traditional pizzas with new textural experiences.
The latest addition to our menu, the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, includes our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, paired with a sweet drizzle of regional honey to soften the sharp flavors. It's an unconventional mix, yet it's heading towards being one of our flagship offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets gain momentum, we're seeing a heightened enthusiasm for meat-free pizza toppings. Going beyond basic veggies, we're now witnessing a boom of plant-based protein alternatives that are luring even the most ardent carnivores.
Options like vegan Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a place on our menu. These toppings aren't exclusively for vegetarians, as they're being chosen for their standout flavors and benefits for easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery kick, 2023 has marked a shift towards particular regional chilies, moving away from the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, we're now delighted by the inclusion of distinct options like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang.
Our International Scorch pizza offers a quartet of these chilies, letting each one star in a different segment of the pie, providing a thrilling spicy escapade that's a hit with our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The forest-to-pizza movement is gaining traction, with a rise in wild, seasonally foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are sought-after wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which grace our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We've also been experimenting with wild edibles like spring ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and spruce tips, lending a distinct fragrance reminiscent of the forest. These wild picks not only offer an authentic taste of nature but also feature flavors unattainable through cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has found a permanent place on pizzas thanks to its remarkable ability to balance sweet and savory profiles. Building on the fan-favorite spiced honey, 2023 sees the advent of a variety of honey infusions, adding a drizzle of sophistication to pizzas just before serving.
This year, we're featuring gourmet honey variations like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and other unique infusions that transform a plain pizza into a refined creation.
Honorable Mentions
Not quite making our top list but nonetheless worth mentioning are several unique toppings:
- Salted egg yolks, finely grated to add a luxurious touch to pizza
- Acidic pickled fruits, particularly with stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum adding a textural twist
- Gourmet butter dollops, including cultured and compound variations with herbs
Whether you stick to time-honored classics or embrace innovative flavor pairings, pizza remains endlessly versatile and widely cherished. At FutureHorizons, we pay homage to the timeless while welcoming the new, which is evident in our offer of both the classic Margherita and our avant-garde creations.
Are any of these novel toppings already on your favorite's list? Or perhaps you're eager for us to try out a new combination? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!