As every new year rolls in, it brings along innovative culinary waves in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no different. Here at LunarCraftRoom, we keep an eagle eye on the toppings that are enrapturing pizza aficionados worldwide. Allow us to present our curated list of the top pizza toppings that have been stealing the show this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now focusing on promoting digestive health by featuring fermented vegetables atop their pizzas, an idea that has surprisingly become immensely popular. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing that much-loved sharp zest that pairs so well with creamy cheese and robust sauce. Not only are these toppings rich in probiotics, but they're also adding a new layer of textures to the pizza we all know and love.
Take for instance our Fermentation Fiesta pizza that showcases our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, all balanced out by a hint of sweet local honey that counters the tangy flavors. This mix may seem out of the ordinary but has quickly risen to be a top favorite among our unique specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With a surge in plant-based diets, there's been a noticeable rise in pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitutes. These aren't just your regular vegetable toppings; the new wave of plant-based proteins is appeasing even the staunchest carnivores.
We're talking about plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These innovative proteins have earned their spot on our menu for all our customers, regardless of their dietary preferences, thanks to their distinctive tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love their pizza with a kick, 2023 is a year to indulge in distinctive chilies. Rather than the typical red pepper flakes, pizza lovers are now choosing specific types of regional chilies. Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, with newcomers like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang starting to feature on pizzas as well.
Our Global Heat pizza is a celebration of these chilies, each quarter of the pizza topped with a different variety, offering our customers a spicy world tour in every slice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The direct-from-nature approach has gone from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza, with a growing interest in seasonal foraged toppings. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which pop up seasonally.
Apart from mushrooms, we've been experimenting with wild spring ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips. These intentionally harvested ingredients provide a connection to the great outdoors and offer flavors that can't be found in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has secured its position as an enduring presence on pizza, especially when it comes to enhancing sweet and savory combinations. Following the trend of hot honey, 2023 has witnessed a variety of specialty honeys being drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are just a few that are making appearances. These drizzles are the final gourmet touch that transform simple pizzas into sophisticated offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Aside from the top five, here are a few other toppings that have been noteworthy:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a savory dusting
- Pickled fruits, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Artisanal butter spots, especially varieties like cultured or herbed butters
Whether you're someone who yearns for the time-honored toppings or a culinary pioneer eager to explore unconventional blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At LunarCraftRoom, we respect the timeless classics while also welcoming new inventions—that's why you'll spot both the staple Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas in our repertoire.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a novel topping combo you'd think we should try out? Drop us a comment below or share your thoughts when you next visit us!