Each year, new taste sensations influence the pizza-making scene, and 2023 is no different. At OpenOrchard, we're keen observers of the gustatory preferences of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Below is our curated list of the top topping trends that pizza aficionados are savoring this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Prioritizing gut health has left a mark on pizza menus, with fermented veggies emerging as this year's unlikely pizza stars. The incorporation of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lends a multifaceted sourness that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of cheese and sauce. These toppings are a powerhouse of probiotics and add an intriguing new texture to the classic pizza profile.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a testament to this, sporting in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a creamy gorgonzola, all harmonizing under a drizzle of local honey to counteract the sourness. While it may seem atypical, it's becoming one of the most sought-after specialty pizzas we offer.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets become more mainstream, we've noticed an uptick in the request for pizzas adorned with vegetarian meat substitutes. Moving beyond the realm of standard veggie toppings, the introduction of plant-based proteins has produced alternatives that even die-hard carnivores can appreciate.
We now frequently bake pizzas topped with, plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit evoking pulled pork, and pea-based 'pepperoni.' These innovations aren't exclusive to non-meat eaters; they're chosen by many patrons for their distinct flavors and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, 2023 has seen a pivot towards the use of specific regional chilies in place of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, new varieties such as the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now adorning pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a unique spicy experience with a mix of these four distinct chilies, allowing each bite to deliver a different burst of flavor. It's a particularly popular choice among our customers who crave a gustatory thrill.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The transition from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza is noticeable with the ascendance of foraged ingredients that change with the seasons. Leading the way are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear during their growth seasons.
We’ve been incorporating ingredients like wild ramps, various sea greens including dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips to add a distinct flavor that is synonymous with the wild outdoors. These ingredients convey a taste of nature while offering flavors that can't be found in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory from honey has become a long-term favorite and more than just a fleeting phase. Riding on the coattails of the 'hot honey' craze, the current year has witnessed a surge in specialty honey types being drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Flavors like truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, rich mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey are making the rounds. These artisan honeys add a layer of sophistication and can transform even the simplest pizza into a gourmet delight.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn't make the main list, these additional toppings have been well received and continue to impress:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza for a luxurious taste.
- Pickled fruits, especially tart stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains for added crunch, like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet dabs of artisanal butter, including cultured or mixed with fine herbs
Whether you hold dear to time-honored classics or are keen to explore inventive topping combos, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes worldwide. At OpenOrchard, we respect time-honored traditions while also welcoming culinary ingenuity—that's evident in our offerings, which range from the classic Margherita to avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these trending toppings piqued your interest, or do you harbor a favorite that you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our location!