Each new year ushers in a fresh wave of gourmet trends in the pizza universe, and 2023 has its own set of highlights. At BeyondBoundaries, keeping a pulse on the favorites of pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. This is our guide to the top pizza toppings that are currently the buzz of the industry.
1. Fermented Veggies
The emphasis on digestive wellness has spread to pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected topping of choice this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions lend a vibrant, sour edge that pairs well with the unctuous flavors of cheese and sauce. These toppings don't just offer probiotic benefits, but they also add fresh textural layers to a classic pizza pie.
Featured in our novel Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a blend of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, slightly mellowed with a splash of artisanal honey. It sounds exotic, but it has quickly risen to be a top pick amongst our specialty selections.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise in plant-centric diets has sparked a substantial uptick in demand for pizzas dappled with inventive non-meat options. Beyond typical veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins are now catering to even the staunchest of carnivores.
Options like crumbled plant-derived Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork marinated to perfection, and pea-based pepperoni have found a permanent place on our menu. These protein choices are enjoyed for their distinct tastes and digestibility, not merely by vegetarians.
3. Unique Chilies by Region
Those with a palate for heat are celebrating as pizza enthusiasts gravitate towards distinct chillies from specific locales, moving away from generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies are still a favorite from past years, but now we're seeing the likes of the smoky ñora from Spain, sweetish Aleppo pepper, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and bold Korean gochujang spread atop our pies.
Our Worldwide Zest pizza offers a taste of four different chilies, each infusing a distinct taste experience within each slice. This pizza has gained popularity with our guests who like a little adventure on their plate.
4. Wild, Seasonal Ingredients
What started with the farm-to-table trend has now branched out to include foraging, bringing wild, seasonal ingredients directly onto pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing as they come into season.
Additionally, we're featuring other foraged finds like spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These elements offer diners a connection to the earth and flavors not found in cultivated counterparts.
5. Exclusive Honey Drizzles
Artisanal honey is creating a sweet and savory balance that has definitely outlasted the fad phase. The past years' infatuation with hot honey has broadened in 2023, introducing pizza lovers to an array of specialty honeys right before serving.
Among them, truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, rich mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey make an appearance, bestowing a layer of intricacy and providing gourmet flair to even the simplest pizza creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed making it to our top five but are nonetheless worth noting include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated atop pizzas for a velvety finish
- Brined fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains as toppings, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, especially those cultured or mixed with herbs
No matter if you're someone who honors classic flavors or an explorer eager for novel pairings, pizza continues its reign as a universally cherished and versatile dish. At BeyondBoundaries, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also welcoming innovation—and that's why our menu showcases both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde gourmet pies alike.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you harbor a unique topping combination you'd desire to see us craft? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to our locale!