The pizza scene is constantly evolving, and 2023 has brought its share of tasty trends. At HerbPantry, we track what's delighting pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the top pizza add-ons that are stealing the spotlight this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
As gut health gains focus, fermented veggies have surprisingly found their way onto pizza, offering a tangy punch that balances the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings aren't just tasty - they're filled with probiotics and add a new layer of texture.
Try our Gut-Friendly Fiesta pizza, which pairs house-prepared sauerkraut and kimchi with sharp gorgonzola, all mellowed by a drizzle of local honey. It's an unexpected mix that's rapidly becoming a house favorite.
2. Meatless Protein Choices
The surge in plant-based diets has translated into an increase in pizzas decked with inventive meat substitutes. These new toppings, which range from plant-based Italian sausage to pea protein pepperoni, are drawing in both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
These toppings are beloved not just for their ethical and health benefits, but also for their fresh, distinct tastes and lighter texture.
3. Specific Chili Peppers
Those who favor spicier pizzas are now opting for distinct chili varieties over the standard red pepper flakes, exploring options like Calabrian chilies, Aleppo pepper, and gochujang.
On our Spice Trail pizza, diners can experience four different chilies, each lending its signature heat and flavor to the pie, a favorite among our spice-loving guests.
4. Wild Foraged Toppings
The wild-to-table movement is growing, seeing foraged goods like diverse mushrooms and seasonal greens making their way onto pizzas. These natural ingredients offer flavors that are a rarity in commercial farming.
Our pizza offerings are updated with what's freshly foraged, ensuring an authentic, seasonal experience in each bite.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory that honey brings to pizza has become well-established. As of 2023, various exotic honey types such as truffle and fermented garlic honey have become popular as finishing touches, sophisticatedly enhancing the flavors of the pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that nearly made our top list but are still notable include:
- Grated cured egg yolks adding a rich umami flavor
- Tart pickled fruits that bring a sweet and sour contrast
- Ancient grain toppings like crispy farro, adding crunch and nutrition
- Gourmet dollops of artisanal butter, enriching the pizza with silky fat
Pizza remains a versatile favorite whether you're a die-hard traditionalist or an explorer of bold flavors. At HerbPantry, we celebrate classic pizzas as much as we do our inventive creations.
Which of these top trends have you sampled? Or do you have an original topping idea you think we should try? Share your thoughts below or during your next visit!