Each new year ushers in fresh pizza topping trends, and 2023 is full of surprises. Here at KindPlateau, we keep our finger on the pulse of what pizza aficionados worldwide are craving. Below, we present the most sensational and in-demand toppings that have gained popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emergence of gut health as a key culinary theme has seen fermented veggies rise in fame atop our pizzas. The addition of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provides a burst of tart flavors that balance the creamy texture of cheeses and sauces. Loaded with probiotic perks, these toppings are a refreshing twist to the standard pizza fare.
For a unique experience, try our Fermentation Festival specialty pie, crafted with house-prepared sauerkraut and kimchi, paired with sharp gorgonzola cheese and a drizzle of regional honey for just the right touch of sweetness to temper the tang.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based dining has heightened the request for meat-free pizza varieties. Our offerings extend beyond generic veggie toppings to inclusions like plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a pork substitute, and pea protein replicating pepperoni. These toppings cater not only to vegetarians but also to those seeking intriguing flavors and a less heavy dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a spicy kick, this year has been about embracing distinct chili varieties over typical crushed red pepper. While Calabrian peppers persist in popularity, we've noticed a trend towards Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñoras, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang adorning our pizzas.
Our International Fiery pizza boasts a mix of these diverse regional chilies, assigning each its quadrant on the pie for a spicy taste voyage that's won over our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal foraged items have translated from wilderness to pizza, driven by the farm-to-table push. Leading this trend are various wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake, seen during their prime seasons. We've also played with wild ramps, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips, connecting our customers to nature through flavors not found in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a savory-sweet dynamic on pizza is well beyond being a trend. 2023 has witnessed a plethora of specialty honeys, like truffle, aged garlic honey, smoky mesquite, and CBD-enriched variants, being added atop pizzas, enhancing even the simplest of pies to a refined gastronomic delight.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that came close to making our top five include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza for a rich umami finish
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Antique grain additions such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Gourmet butter touches, especially those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether your preference is for a classic pizza or you're eager to explore new taste frontiers, pizza remains one of the world's most versatile and cherished dishes. At KindPlateau, we respect tradition while also pioneering new varieties—that's why you'll discover both time-honored Margheritas and trend-setting specialities on our menu.
Which of these trendsetting toppings have you experimented with? Do you have a distinctive favorite or a suggestion for a new pizza flavor we should introduce? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tell us during your next visit!