Each year introduces new trends in the pizza-making industry, and 2023 is no different. Here at GreyMeadow, we're keen observers of what captivates the palates of pizza aficionados internationally. We present to you our curated list of this year's most enticing and sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With the increasing focus on digestive wellness, fermented vegetables have become an unexpected topping favorite on pizzas in this calendar year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend complex sour notes that enhance the creamy flavors of cheese and tomato base. These toppings are not only a source of probiotics but also inject new textural contrasts into classic pizza formulations.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie at our establishment showcases an in-house blend of sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a hint of local honey to soften the sour profile. While it may seem like an odd mixture, it's rapidly turned into one of the most in-demand specialty pizzas we offer.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centered diets gain further traction, we've noted a notable increase in requests for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Surpassing mere vegetable options, breakthroughs in plant proteins have birthed alternatives that even ardent carnivores find satisfying.
Options like plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein craft pepperoni have taken up permanent residence on our menu. These proteins cater not solely to vegetarians but to a broader demographic eager for different tastes and a more digestible meal experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase the thrill of heat, 2023 has been a year of embracing distinct regional chili types over the common red chili flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to enjoy popularity, while Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have made their way onto our pizzas.
The International Zest pizza at our venture combines a mix of four unique regional chilies, each lending a distinct taste to separate sections of the pizza. It's become a favorite among our guests who enjoy a spicy culinary escapade.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from wilderness to pizza plate has recently been paved with the rising trend of seasonal foraged additions. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms - think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods - gracing our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We've also been incorporating spring ramps (a type of wild onion), seashore greens such as dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic flavor. Such ingredients forge a connection to the wilderness while presenting tastes unattainable in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory brought forth by honey has solidified its role beyond a fleeting fascination. Drawing from the success of spicy honey in years past, 2023 has witnessed a surge in diverse honey variations being used as a final flourish on pizzas.
Exotic infusions like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aroma-rich mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey have made their way into pizzerias nation-wide. These drizzles contribute depth to the flavor and make simple pizza choices into high-end delights.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings vying for a spot in our top tier but are worth mentioning include:
- Cured egg yolks grated delicately over the crust
- Acidic fruits, particularly orchard fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Whole grains used for topping, like crisp farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Gourmet butter morsels - especially those that are cultured or blended with garden-fresh herbs
Pizza remains one of the most adaptable and adored dishes globally, whether you're a purist favoring timeless classics or an explorer keen to sample bold new flavor pairings. At GreyMeadow, we revere time-honored traditions and welcome culinary creativity, which is why you'll discover both the iconic Margherita and innovative signature pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these contemporary toppings landed on your plate? Or perhaps you have a one-of-a-kind favorite you'd like to see us feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit with us!