With each passing year, new trends emerge in pizza culinary arts, and 2023 is no different. At SilverCoast, keeping track of global pizza trends is part of our mission. We present to you the toppings that have taken the pizza world by storm this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has penetrated the pizza industry, leading to an increased presence of fermented vegetables on pizzas. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a tangy burst that pairs well with the savory notes of cheese and tomato sauce, along with contributing probiotic attributes and novel textures.
Introducing the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, which is topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and distinctive gorgonzola cheese, drizzled with locally sourced honey to offset the sourness. This unconventional blend is swiftly becoming a fan favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, the call for meat-free pizza toppings has surged. No longer limited to standard veggies, the burgeoning variety of plant-based protein alternatives easily wins over meat enthusiasts.
On our menu, you'll find plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni, satisfying a diversified palate and offering a less heavy eating experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Lovers of spice are celebrating the embrace of specific regional chili types over standard pepper flakes for their pizzas in 2023. While Calabrian chilies retain their popularity, new varieties like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now garnishing pizzas for a unique punch.
Our Global Heat pizza is an international spicy journey, boasting a blend of four distinct regional chilies, each lending its distinctive taste to the pizza.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The emergence of wild, foraged ingredients is a testimony to the progression of the farm-to-table concept. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are featured intermittently based on their growing seasons.
We're also experimenting with forest finds like wild leeks in spring, varied sea vegetables, and spruce tips, infusing pizzas with exceptional flavors that are unattainable in cultivated crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delectable sweet and savory balance has become a mainstay. The variety in specialty honeys being drizzled on pizzas just before serving has expanded remarkably in 2023.
Infusions such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite honey, and other specialized honeys are enhancing pizza menus nationwide, adding a gourmet touch.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few other notable toppings that have not made our top five but are still quite impactful:
- Grated cured egg yolks, which dust the pizza in a yellow cascade
- Pickled stone fruits, like peaches and plums, for a sweet and tart accent
- Toppings made from heritage grains, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, adding crunch
- Gourmet butter dollops such as cultured or herbed compound butters
Pizza remains an endlessly adaptable and universally loved dish, whether you're a staunch traditionalist or a culinary explorer. At SilverCoast, we honor timeless classics while also embracing new creations, which is why our menu boasts both the iconic Margherita and innovative specialty pizzas.
Have you had the pleasure of trying any of these top trends in toppings? Or maybe there's an original combination you're eager to see us offer? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!