The dynamic world of pizza witnesses new culinary waves each year, and 2023 is brimming with fresh trends. At MapleRidge, we meticulously track the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is a compilation of this year's top pizza toppings that have caught everyone's attention.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The surge in gut-health consciousness has traveled to the realm of pizza with fermented vegetables rising to fame as unexpected pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver a tangy burst of flavor that beautifully balances the creamy cheese and sauce. Not only do these toppings offer probiotic merits, but they also bring a new layer of texture to the conventional pizza experience.
Our exclusive Fermentation Fest pizza includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a touch of local honey for a sweet counterpoint to the sour flavors. While it may seem unconventional, it’s fast becoming a favorite among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas adorned with novel meat substitutes. Beyond the usual veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have led to alternatives that even staunch carnivores can appreciate.
Options such as plant-based Italian sausage pieces, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have secured their spots on our menu. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians but to a broad range of our patrons who enjoy their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor spice are delighted as 2023 has witnessed a shift from generic red pepper flakes to specific varieties of regional chilies for pizza toppings. While Calabrian chilies remain popular, other varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora, the sweet and fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are starting to grace pizza surfaces.
Our Spice Voyager pizza is a journey through heat with four different types of regional chilies, offering distinct flavor profiles on each quarter of the pie. It's an adventurous choice that's become a hit with our thrill-seeking customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table ethos has now extended to forest-to-pizza, as foraged ingredients find their way atop our pizzas. The spotlight is on wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that pop up seasonally.
We also explore foraged items like wild ramps (leeks), sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a touch of aromatic flair. These wild-crafted ingredients bring pizza lovers closer to nature while imparting unique tastes that aren't found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The dynamic duo of sweet and savory has been cemented into pizza culture with the diversity of honey available in 2023. Expanding from the beloved hot honey trend, varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have started becoming pizza drizzles.
These gourmet drizzles add a layer of sophistication and can elevate straightforward pizza recipes to epicurean levels.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly reached our top five but are still leaving an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks that are finely shredded over the pizza, resembling golden flakes
- Marinated fruit, with a focus on stone fruits like apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of handcrafted butter, especially those infused with cultures or blended with herbs
No matter if you're a pizza purist who adores the timeless classics or a culinary pioneer keen on exploring bold flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes around the globe. At MapleRidge, we respect the classics while also championing novelty, which is why our menu boasts both the traditional Margherita and innovative specialty pies.
Have any of these popular toppings caught your fancy? Or is there a novel pizza creation you're longing for us to introduce? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!