As every new year ushers in fresh gastronomic fads in the pizza universe, 2023 has ushered in its own set. At DailyHarbor, staying attuned to the pulse of pizza aficionado preferences is our specialty. Below is our curated list of this year's top pizza topping sensations that have taken the culinary scene by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's importance has transcended into the realm of pizza, catapulting fermented veggies to star status as toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend an intricate tart zest that beautifully offsets the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These tangy inclusions offer not only probiotic health benefits but also a novel textural contrast to the classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza is our unique creation, showcasing handmade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all harmonized with a drizzle of local honey to balance the piquancy. Though it might appear as an unconventional pairing, it's swiftly climbing the ranks as one of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend for plant-based dining persists, inciting greater demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Far from just the usual veggie options, developments in plant-based proteins have introduced alternatives capable of satisfying the keenest carnivores.
Options such as plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These protein choices aren't reserved just for plant-eaters—many clients opt for them thanks to their distinctive taste profiles and their lighter feel on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are finding joy in 2023, with a move toward pizzas topped with distinctive chilies from specific regions over mundane red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still in vogue, while other types like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now making their mark.
Our Worldwide Scorch pizza presents a blend of four diverse regional chilies, each offering a distinct taste to various sections of the pizza. This piquant journey has become a firm favorite among our clientele with a taste for adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as the farm-to-table initiative has blossomed into forest-to-pizza, with a surge in the popularity of seasonally foraged garnishes. Leading this tendency are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, when in season.
Other foraged elements we've introduced include wild ramps (leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and the occasional spruce tip to imbue a singular aromatic twist. These offerings provide a connection to the wilderness and proffer flavors unattainable in the conventional cultivation process.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory from honey drizzles has become firmly ingrained, transcending the ephemeral. The year 2023 has witnessed a profusion of specialty honey types, applied to pizzas just before serving.
Exotic varieties include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite honey, bringing complexity and transforming even the simplest pizza combinations into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
A set of other toppings that have not quite reached our top but are nevertheless creating an impact:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated atop the pie like golden flakes
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain add-ons, providing crunchy textures such as crispy farro or sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, especially those infused with cultures or herbs
Whether you side with purists who lean towards timeless classics or you're the pioneer eager for avant-garde combinations, pizza remains a global culinary mainstay of versatility and adoration. At DailyHarbor, we pay homage to the traditions while equally embracing the new—that's why our menu accommodates the classic Margherita as well as state-of-the-art specialty pizzas.
Have you indulged in any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps, do you have a distinct favorite mix you'd love us to feature? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!