Each new year introduces fresh gastronomic waves in the realm of pizzas, and the year 2023 is no different. At OpenTerrace, we pay close attention to the flavors captivating pizza enthusiasts all over the world. Here's our list of the top pizza toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health interests have spread to pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite topping this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing intricate sour flavors that enhance the creamy goodness of cheese and warmth of sauces. These toppings aren't just tasty; they also introduce a probiotic element and add new textures unlike anything found on classic pizzas.
For example, our new Fermentation Fiesta pizza is loaded with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, harmonized with a drizzle of local honey to sweeten the sour notes. This blend may seem strange at first, but it's swiftly become a top pick among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has led to a demand for pizzas topped with imaginative meat substitutes. Moving beyond basic veggie toppings, new developments in plant-based proteins offer options that even the most enthusiastic carnivores can enjoy.
Items like vegan Italian sausage pieces, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein-based “pepperoni” now grace our menu regularly. These toppings aren't exclusively for those following a plant-based diet—they're popular for their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year is all about bringing the heat for chili lovers, with pizza fans seeking out specific chili varieties over basic pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their streak of popularity, we're also seeing a rise in particular types of peppers like the Armenian Aleppo, Spanish smoked ñora, Peruvian fruity aji amarillo, and the Korean condiment gochujang on pizza.
The Worldly Warmth pizza is an offering that combines four unique regional chilies, assigning distinctive heat and flavor to each section of the pie. This fiery gastronomic journey is particularly well-received by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Components
Seasonal foraged ingredients have come to the forefront, evolving from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, making appearances on pizza during their growing season.
We're not just stopping at mushrooms; our experiments have included wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These naturally sourced components bring a connection to the wild and add irreplicable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey, cherished for its ability to fashion a delightful contrast of sweet and savory on pizza, has found a steadfast role beyond a passing fancy. Broadening from the previously favored spicy honey, 2023 welcomes the rise of exotic honey types drizzled atop pizzas at the moment of serving.
Among these are truffle-infused honey, garlic honey undergoing fermentation, mesquite honey imbued with a smoky essence, and honey mixed with CBD, elevating even the most simple pizzas to a gourmet level with their layered flavors.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that have narrowly missed our top five but are still noticeable in the culinary space include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas like a dusting of sunshine
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains with heritage, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, especially versions cultured or mixed with herbed compounds
Whether your tastes are rooted in convention and the classics or you're open to exploring bold and inventive flavor mixes, pizza retains its status as one of the world's most versatile and treasured dishes. At OpenTerrace, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also welcoming culinary creativity—our menu proudly features the perennially loved Margherita alongside pioneering specialty creations.
Have you savored any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite blend you'd love to see us serve? Share with us in the comment section or at your next visit!