Each new year brings innovative food trends, especially in the pizza sector, and 2023 is full of surprises. Here at BrackenRise, we keep a close eye on the toppings that pizza enthusiasts worldwide are falling in love with. Below is our list of the trending pizza toppings that are leaving a mark this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a priority, fermented vegetables are making an unexpected appearance as pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding sophisticated, tangy notes that enhance the creamy and saucy elements of pizzas. Not only do these toppings provide probiotic advantages, but they also add a novel texture to conventional pizzas.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we offer includes in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a dribble of regional honey to counter the sourness. Although it sounds unique, it's fast becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has increased the demand for pizzas topped with creative meat substitutes. Beyond typical vegetables, advancements in plant-based proteins have led to alternatives that can even satisfy staunch carnivores.
Our menu now regularly showcases plant-derived Italian sausage chunks, spiced tempeh, pulled pork style marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni. Not just appealing to vegetarians, these proteins draw in numerous customers for their distinct taste profiles and lighter feel post-meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Enthusiasts of spiciness are celebrating! The year 2023 has brought a shift toward specific regional chili types over generic red pepper flakes. The Calabrian chili continues to maintain its presence from the past, but now we're also seeing an introduction of Aleppo pepper, Spanish smoky ñora chilies, fruit-like Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Our Worldwide Spice pizza features a selection of four distinctive regional chilies, delivering a special flavor profile to each quadrant of the pizza. It's a fiery journey that has been quite popular amongst our customers seeking culinary adventures.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table phenomenon has spread into the world of pizza with the growing trend of seasonal foraged elements. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that make frequent choices during their growth seasons.
We've also been experimenting with wild ramps (wild leeks), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic twist. These natural ingredients not only provide a connection to the environment but also offer flavors that can't be replicated in a commercial setting.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The honey trend has evolved beyond being a fleeting fancy, with the interplay of sweet and savory notes contributing to its enduring status. 2023 witnesses a burst of specialty honeys being dribbled over pizzas before serving.
We see honey infused with truffle, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey containing CBD as part of our offerings. These drizzles add a depth of complexity and turn even simple pizzas into gourmet dishes.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings that just missed making our top 5 but are still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like a dusting of gold
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions, like crunchy farro or burst sorghum for added texture
- Dabs of artisanal butter (like cultured or compound butters with mixed herbs)
Whether you favor the tried-and-true classics or you're the type to explore daring new flavor combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and well-loved dishes globally. At BrackenRise, we honor time-honored traditions while also pioneering in the culinary field—which is why you'll discover both classic Margherita and avant-garde specialties on our menu.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a unique favorite mix you'd like us to consider? Drop a comment below or let us know when you drop by!