Each year, the pizza landscape is reshaped by new and exciting culinary trends, and 2023 continues this tradition. At SharedSquare Pizzeria, keeping tabs on what flavors are enthralling pizza aficionados worldwide is our passion. We're eager to present the top picks for this year's most innovative and sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has made its mark on pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as this year’s unexpected topping hit. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions bring a zesty complexity that perfectly balances out the sumptuous cheeses and sauces. These toppings are not only healthful, adding gut-friendly probiotics but they also introduce a new layer of textures to the conventional pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, gorgonzola cheese, and a sweet drizzle of artisanal honey to cut through the zestiness. This distinctive blend may seem eclectic but has rapidly become a fan favorite specialty pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-focused diets gain further popularity, there's a visible uptick in the demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond typical veggie toppings, advancements in plant proteins now offer satisfying alternatives even for staunch carnivores.
Selections of crumbled Italian sausage made from plants, savory seasoned tempeh, jackfruit-based pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These plant proteins are a hit not just among vegetarians but also among those who appreciate their distinctive tastes and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Enthusiasts craving a spicy kick are in luck this year as pizza lovers are reaching for unique chilies from specific regions instead of ordinary crushed red pepper. Calabrian peppers continue their longstanding allure, joined now by Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang spread across pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a fiery mix of four different chilies from various regions, providing a unique spice profile to every slice. This pizza has been particularly popular with our clientele who like to explore bold flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of sourcing locally has transformed to include wild ingredients directly from the forest, furthering the allure of pizzas topped with foraged offerings. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appear intermittently based on their growing seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, our experimentation extends to wild ramps (leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and the addition of spruce tips for an unconventional aromatic kick. These wildcrafted elements bring pizza lovers closer to nature and provide flavors that simply aren't found in conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The delectable contrast of honey on pizza has definitely proven itself as more than a fleeting fancy. Progressing from the previously trending spicy honey, this year, we've witnessed a surge in specialty honeys drizzled over pizzas just before enjoying.
Rich varieties like truffle honey, garlic fermented honey, smoky mesquite honey, and cannabinoid-enriched honey have begun to grace pizza menus nationwide. These drizzles add a gourmet touch and complicate the flavor profiles of even the simplest pizza.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that nearly made it to our top five but still deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizzas like a shower of golden flakes
- Pickled fruits, specifically the stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Toppings from heritage grains, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of specialty butters, particularly those that are cultured or imbued with herbs
Whether you're a purist with a penchant for the timeless or a culinary explorer eager for new experiences, pizza remains one of the world's most versatile and cherished dishes. At SharedSquare Pizzeria, we pay homage to tradition while also celebrating innovation—which is why our menu features both classic Margherita and avant-garde pies alike.
Have you indulged in any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you have an inventive topping combination in mind you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!