Each year presents fresh gastronomic fads, particularly in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. At GlassFenHarbor, we diligently track the flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. Here is our list of the most thrilling and prevalent pizza toppings that have left an impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Paying attention to gut health has taken the pizza industry by storm, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with sophisticated, tangy tastes that enhance the creamy cheese and sauce's richness. These toppings not only bring probiotic advantages but also introduce novel textural aspects to the classic pizza formula.
Our exclusive Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a splash of local honey for a hint of sweetness to mediate the sourness. It may be an atypical mix, but it's swiftly garnered a following as one of our most popular specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the trend towards plant-based consumption persists, we've noted a heightened interest in meat-free pizza choices that include groundbreaking vegan meat substitutes. Advanced plant-based proteins like squashed Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staple offerings on our menu. These alternatives are not solely enjoyed by vegetarians but by a broad range of patrons for their distinctive flavors and reduced digestive burden.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is a year for those with a penchant for spice, as pizza lovers have started favoring distinct regional chili types over general red pepper flakes. Calabrian chili continues to be popular, but now we've seen rising stars such as the Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang gracing pizzas.
On our Global Heat pizza, guests will find a variety of chilies each offering their own distinctive taste, separated into quarters on the pizza. This pie has been a standout favorite amongst our clientele who crave a dash of excitement.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The emphasis on locally-sourced food has extended from the farm directly to the pizza with the increased appreciation for seasonally foraged goods. Leading the foraging trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which surface on pizzas during their prime seasons.
We also venture into the wild with choices such as spring ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and even fresh spruce tips that imbue a distinctive fragrant twist. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and impart tastes that cannot be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's capability to complement savory flavors has made it a mainstay rather than a fleeting trend. Advancing from the popular spicy honey of previous years, 2023 has unveiled an array of unique honey variants for finishing off pizzas, with choices like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-laced honey making their way to the tables. These nuances provide depth and can raise even the simplest pizza to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that didn't quite make our top list but have nonetheless caused a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, which are delicately grated over the pizza, adding a layer of richness
- Acidic fruits such as peaches and plums that go through pickling
- Gourmet grains, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum that add an element of crunch
- Dollops of handmade butter, especially varieties mixed with herbs or cultured for extra flavor
No matter if you're someone who cherishes age-old pizza classics or you're open to exploring audacious new flavor pairings, pizza remains an incredibly flexible and adored dish. Here at GlassFenHarbor, we celebrate time-honored traditions while also embracing culinary creativity—that's why our menu hosts the original Margherita alongside groundbreaking gourmet creations.
Ever sampled these trending toppings before? Or perhaps you have your own exclusive topping blend you'd like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or visit us the next time you're around!