Each year ushers in fresh pizza topping tendencies, and 2023 stands out with its unique offerings. At ShearWater, we keep a close eye on the preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. We now present to you our list of pizza toppings that have taken center stage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Paying homage to gut health, fermented veggies have risen to become an unlikely yet popular choice for pizza topping in the current year. Intriguing picks such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are offering zesty flavors that accentuate the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Beyond their probiotic advantage, these fermented delights add new and exciting textural dimensions to classic pizza styles.
Sample our Fermentation Celebration pizza that boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, uniquely offset by a sweet local honey drizzle. This unusual mix is fast becoming a favorite request among our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizza toppings that go beyond the common greens, with meat alternatives captivating both vegetarians and meat enthusiasts alike.
We offer plant-based substitutes such as Italian sausage made from plants, flavor-infused tempeh, marinated jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni. These choices are gaining popularity not only for their distinct flavors but also for their gentle impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has been a fiery year for pizza lovers who favor specific regional chilies over the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity from previous years, diverse types like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gracing pizzas with their presence.
Experience our Global Heat pizza which is a spicy tapestry of four diverse regional chilies, each lending a distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. This creation is particularly beloved by our customers with a penchant for heat and novelty.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has brought wild, foraged ingredients directly onto pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each gracing our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We've also introduced forest finds like wild leeks in spring, seaweed varieties such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients not only offer a connection to the wilderness but also flavors that are unattainable through commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory that honey provides has been embraced as more than a fad. Layered on top of already dynamic flavors, an array of specialty honeys is being used to finish pizzas, from truffle infused variations and fermented garlic honey to smoky mesquite honey, making each slice a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Though not in the top five, several other toppings are still creating buzz:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, adding a delectable dusting on top of pizza
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like peaches and plums leading the pack
- Textured heritage grains such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet dollops of butter, including cultured or herb-infused variants
Whether your preference lies with time-honored favorites or you're an explorer of bold new flavor profiles, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At ShearWater, we honor time-tested recipes while also exploring culinary frontiers, evident in our offering of classic Margheritas to avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings, or is there a distinctive combination you would like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit.