As each year unfolds, new tastes emerge in the world of pizza, and 2023 has its own unique flavors. At CalmMeadowGate, we closely track what’s captivating pizza aficionados globally, and we're thrilled to present this year's most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias have caught up with the gut health trend, now offering fermented vegetables as a sought-after topping. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a complex, tangy zest that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and rich sauce. These toppings don’t just offer a boost to your probiotics but also add a layer of novel textures to your classic pizza.
The distinctive “Fermentation Celebration” pizza on our menu includes in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a splash of local honey to sweeten the sour notes. This unique blend is quickly becoming a fan-favorite among our signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people embrace plant-based diets, the desire for pizzas with innovative non-meat options has skyrocketed. The plant-based proteins featured on our pizzas are redefining alternative toppings, with options that can make even the most ardent meat fans pause for a second taste.
On our pizzas, you can find plant-based crumbles similar to Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and a pea protein variant resembling pepperoni. It’s not only the vegetarians indulging in these options—numerous customers select them for their distinct taste profiles and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals are celebrating the enhancement of pizzas with specific regional chili peppers over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their streak of popularity, Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are gaining traction on our pizza selection.
Try our “Global Heat” pizza for a medley of these diverse chilies, each offering its distinct taste to different sections of the pizza. It's become a particular hit among our clientele who love a bit of spice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between nature and dining has deepened with the trend toward seasonal foraged additions. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured throughout their growing seasons.
We’ve also included wild ramps (wild leeks), sea plants such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their unique, aromatic punch. These foraged elements offer a taste of the wilderness and provide distinct flavors that cultivated options can’t match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey drizzles have cemented their position in the pizza scene, known for creating a delightful sweet-and-savory balance. 2023 has witnessed an array of specialty honey types like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey making their way onto pizzas to add that final gourmet touch.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly hit our top five but still deserve mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza to resemble delicate flakes
- Pickled fruits, with a notable mention for stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Whole grain garnishes such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crispiness
- Dollops of artisan butter, notably those infused with culture or mixed herbs
Whatever your pizza preference—be it a timeless classic or a new and bold mixture—pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At CalmMeadowGate, we celebrate culinary heritage while also exploring the new, which is evident in our offering of both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have any of these up-and-coming toppings made it to your plate? Or do you have your own unique topping suggestion you’d like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you drop by!