New trends in pizza ingredients come about yearly and 2023 has its own fair share of popular toppings. At MellowSpace Pizzeria, keeping an eye on the evolving preferences of pizza enthusiasts worldwide is our specialty. This is a curated list of trending pizza toppings that have made a significant impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive health has reached pizza joints, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite topping this year. Flavors like Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a satisfying punch and balance the creamy cheese and hearty sauce. Aside from their probiotic qualities, they introduce new textural elements to the traditional pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our place is getting rave reviews for its homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola combination, sweetened with a drizzle of local honey to even out the sourness. This unusual blend is swiftly climbing the ranks of our fan-favorite specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of plant-based diets has not slowed down, leading to an uptick in demand for pizzas that include inventive meat substitutions. Beyond regular veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant protein sources have provided alternatives that delight even staunch carnivores.
Our menu now regularly showcases plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings cater not only to vegetarians but also attract customers for their distinct tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a passion for spice have been celebrating the inclusion of distinct regional chili varieties on pizzas instead of typical crushed red pepper flakes this year. While Calabrian chilies have kept their popularity, we're also introducing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a hit with bold flavor seekers thanks to its assortment of four distinct regional chilies, each adding a unique taste to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery journey that's won over our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of locally sourced ingredients has now branched out to include forest-fresh produce on pizzas, with an emphasis on wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we've dabbled with foraged treats like spring ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an unusual aromatic touch. These foraged delights give our diners a taste of nature while offering flavors that can't be replicated in mass production.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has become a mainstay topping on pizza, enhancing the savory notes with its sweetness. This year, an array of specialty honey varieties have gained attention for being drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Options such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have made their way into kitchens nationwide. Not just a final touch, these honeys can transform even the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
Some other standout toppings nearly making it to our top picks but still causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza, giving a decadent dusting
- Pickled fruits, with a nod to stone fruits like apricots and cherries
- Heritage grain garnishes, including crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, particularly those incorporating culture or blended with herbs
Whether you're someone who honors classic flavors or a pioneer eager to explore unconventional taste pairings, pizza remains an infinitely versatile and cherished dish. At MellowSpace Pizzeria, we respect the classics while welcoming the new—that's why both timeless Margherita and innovative artisanal pizzas can be found on our menu.
Have any of the fresh toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have an inventive combination in mind you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us during your next visit to our establishment!