Each year unveils new trends in the pizza universe, and 2023 is no different. At GraniteCourt, keeping an eye on global pizza trends is our forte. Behold our list of the top on-trend pizza toppings that are capturing the hearts of pizza aficionados everywhere this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Embracing gut health, fermented vegetables have emerged as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas. The likes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a zesty flavor, complimenting the cheesy and saucy base, while offering probiotic advantages and introducing a novel texture to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut and kimchi coupled with gorgonzola, all harmonized with a drizzle of regional honey to temper the sharp flavors. This might be an unconventional mix, but it's quickly become a crowd-pleaser.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets continue their rise, the demand for meat-free toppings has soared. Beyond just veggies, the advent of plant-derived proteins provides meat-like options that even the most avid carnivores can appreciate.
We now feature a variety of plant proteins such as plant-based sausage, seasoned tempeh chunks, marinated jackfruit resembling pulled pork, and pea protein slices that mimic traditional pepperoni on our pizzas. These toppings are favored not only by vegetarians but by customers looking for distinct taste profiles and a lighter fare.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating, as pizza lovers now prefer distinct regional chilies over the usual crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies remain a constant favorite, other varieties like the aromatic Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are beginning to feature on pizza toppings.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a dynamic blend of four regional chilies, each adding a unique flavor to the pizza's sections. This spicy offering has become particularly popular among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients have moved from the forest to the pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, depending on their season.
We're also incorporating other wild ingredients like spring ramps, seaweeds including dulse and nori, and spruce tips for a distinct aromatic touch. This brings a taste of the wilderness to the table and presents flavors that cultivated ingredients simply can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness against savory has become a staple. The current year has introduced a variety of specialty honeys, used as finishing drizzles over pizzas to add a nuanced flavor.
We're seeing the rise of truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey on our pizzas. These sophisticated touches add depth and turn even the most basic pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Not making the top five but still noteworthy are:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a rich topping
- Pickled fruits such as peaches and plums for a tangy twist
- Heritage grains adding crunch, with the likes of crispy farro and popped sorghum
- Luxurious dollops of artisanal butters, including cultured and herbed varieties
Whether you're a purist who sticks to the original toppings or an explorer of bold new flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and esteemed dishes worldwide. At GraniteCourt, we respect time-honored tastes while also embracing modern twists, which is reflected in our menu offerings, from the classic Margherita to the most avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or do you have an innovative topping combo you'd like to see us adopt? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!