The pizza scene is ever-changing, with 2023 introducing a fresh array of toppings that have piqued the interest of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here at HarrowPlains's, we keep a close eye on which flavors are delighting the palates of our customers. Let's dive into this year's selection of top toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Pickled Veggies
Continuing the trend of wellness in the kitchen, pickled veggies have emerged as a top favorite for pizzas. Tangy options like kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are enhancing pizzas with their bold tastes while providing the added health benefit of probiotics. Furthermore, they add a new texture to the pizza experience.
The Fermented Fête pizza, peppered with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a punch of gorgonzola cheese, topped off with a local honey drizzle to sweeten the tangy notes, has been winning over clientele, despite its unconventional pairing.
2. Protein from Plants
As plant-focused diets gain traction, there's been a noticeable uptick in requests for meatless pizza options. Beyond the usual plethora of veggies, new forms of plant proteins are trying to win over even staunch carnivores.
Options such as crumbled Italian sausage made from plants, flavored tempeh, pulled pork-styled jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni are frequent sightings on our menu. Surprisingly, it's not only vegetarians opting for these - plenty of our patrons are drawn to their distinctive flavors and easier digestion.
3. Premium Chili Types
For those seeking a fiery bite, 2023 has introduced an appreciation for select chili variants from around the world over the more commonplace red pepper flakes. Favorites include the continued popularity of Calabrian chilies, alongside the unique tastes of Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang pepper pastes.
The International Inferno pizza delivers a spicy world tour with four different chilies, each lending its characteristic spice note to a quadrant of the pie. This has been a hit, especially with our adventurous customers.
4. Wild-Harvested Sustenance
Sourcing food straight from forest to table has become a pizza trend, with foraged foods appearing more and more. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, but that's not all.
Other wild picks like forest ramps, ocean-sourced seaweeds including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce shoots have been inspiring our culinary imagination. These additions offer a connection to nature and impart flavors that are difficult to replicate with farm-grown produce.
5. Unique Honey Glazes
The interplay of sweet honey with savory pizza has now become a staple garnishing move. The trend of hot honey has been further expanded upon with the introduction of various specialty honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-free varieties adding a burst of flavor when drizzled over a hot slice before serving.
These garnishes lend a nuanced complexity and elicit gourmet appeal out of even the simplest pizza combinations.
Honorable Mentions
There are also other noteworthy toppings that almost made the big league this year, including:
- Salted egg yolks, gently grated to create a rich topping
- Marinated fruits, particularly drupes like apricots and cherries
- Ancient grains for crunch, examples being crunchy emmer or puffed sorghum
- Boutique butters such as cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you are a pizza purist who sticks with time-honored toppings or a culinary daredevil up for new flavor fusions, pizza's versatility keeps it as a universal all-time favorite. At HarrowPlains's, we cherish age-old recipes while enthusiastically welcoming new creations, ensuring our menu caters to all with both iconic Margherita and avant-garde specialty slices.
Which of these trendy toppings have you tasted? Or perhaps you have a novel topping idea you'd love to see us put into action? Do tell either in the comments section or on your next visit!