As each new year unfolds, the pizza scene experiences fresh culinary innovations, and 2023 is no different. At MunchBasket, keeping an eye on the preferred tastes of pizza enthusiasts internationally is our specialty. Here are the top-choice pizza toppings that are causing a stir this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has cast its influence on pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables rising as an unexpected champion on pizzas in 2023. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver intricate tart notes that enhance the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings bring not just probiotic goodness but also a novel textural experience to the traditional pizza.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza is topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a unique blue cheese, and gets a final touch of local honey for a hint of sweetness to offset the sourness. Although it may seem like an unorthodox mix, it's quickly turning into one of the fan favorites.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascendancy of plant-centric diets has sparked a soaring demand for pizzas decked with inventive meat substitutes. Far above ordinary veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant proteins have introduced alternatives that delight even the truest meat aficionados.
Our menu now regularly includes items such as plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit marinated to imitate pulled pork, and protein-rich pepperoni made from peas. These options are chosen not only by vegetarians but by many customers for their intriguing flavors and more forgiving digestion.
3. Distinct Chili Flavors
Those with a penchant for spiciness are celebrating! Changes in 2023 have seen pizza lovers favor specified kinds of regional chili over general red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, we're now finding other varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang coming into the spotlight on our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza brings together a blend of these diverse chilis, offering distinct flavor profiles on each slice of the pie. It's become a sought-after choice among our most daring customers.
4. Seasonal Wild-Crafted Ingredients
The local-sourcing movement has branched out from farm-to-table to foraged-to-pizza, with seasonal wild ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms are the stars here, with sought-after varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing pizzas in their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we're trying out things like wild ramps (wild leeks), oceanic plants like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips which impart a distinct fragrant note. These ingredients provide a connection to the wilderness while imparting flavors that can't be matched by farmed counterparts.
5. Unique Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to create a sweet and savory flavor profile has solidified its place as a staple, rather than a fleeting trend. Building on the success of spicy honey in previous years, 2023 sees a surge in specialty honey types that are drizzled over pizzas right before serving.
Honeys including ones infused with truffle, fermented with garlic, smoked with mesquite, and incorporated with CBD are showing up in establishments nationwide. These flavorful drizzles bring a layer of sophistication, transforming even simple pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings that are on the cusp of making our primary list, yet are definitely making an impact, such as:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated atop pizzas for a velvety garnish
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits like nectarines and apricots
- Whole grain additions, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter dollops (especially those cultivated or mixed with herbs)
Whether you cling to timeless classics or are eager to explore daring new flavor mixes, pizza remains a versatile and much-adored dish. At MunchBasket, we respect traditions as much as we appreciate the new—that's why our menu includes both the renowned Margherita and innovative specialty concoctions.
Eager to try these trending toppings? Or maybe you have a signature topping combination you'd like to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know on your next visit!