The pizza landscape is ever-changing, and the flavors of 2023 are no different. At AuroraPlain, we stay on the pulse of what's delighting pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Below, we've curated a list of the top pizza toppings that are dominating this year.
1. Fermented Greens
Digestive well-being has carved its niche in pizza cuisine, with an array of fermented greens gaining unexpected popularity atop pizzas. Offerings such as kimchi, preserved cabbage, and brined onions breathe tart complexity into the creamy backdrop of cheese and tomato sauce. Not only do they offer substantial gut-health advantages, but these toppings also present new textures that revamp the classic pizza experience.
Our new Gut-Friendly Festivity pizza is topped with our own pickled cabbage, kimchi, and Bleu cheese, and it's finished with a local honey drizzle to counterbalance the sharpness. While it may seem like an uncommon pairing, it's swiftly turning into one of our most in-demand signature pies.
2. Plant-Derived Proteins
With the steady climb in plant-based diets, there's been a corresponding demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond routine vegetables, new plant-derived proteins are now offering a satisfying alternative to traditional meats.
Alternatives like plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein formed into pepperoni slices are now staples on our menu. These aren't solely for vegetarians; they're chosen by many for their distinct flavors and digestibility.
3. Exotic Peppers
For those who seek a spicy kick, 2023 has enhanced the thrill with pizza lovers choosing specific chili peppers over basic crushed red pepper. Calabrian peppers keep their standing, while we now find Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, the tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang as pizza toppers.
Our International Spice pizza is a blend offour distinct peppers, each lending its individual taste to sections of the pizza. This zestful experience is a hit with customers keen on gustatory exploration.
4. Freshly Gathered Ingredients
The push for local sourcing has now expanded to include wild ingredients, directly sourced for unique pizza toppings. Wild fungi like chanterelles, morels, and hen-of-the-woods are becoming prevalent during their local growing seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we're sprinkling woodsy flavors such as wild ramps (leeks), oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients connect food lovers with nature and deliver unparalleled flavors that cannot be cultivated.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
The balance between sweet and savory flavors from honey has made its mark as a lingering pizza trend. In 2023, a surge in artisan honey varieties is seen adorning pizzas, applied just before serving.
Unique honeys such as truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, mesquite-flavored honey, and other novel varieties are embellishing pizza offerings nationwide. These final drizzles add sophistication and enrich simplistic pizza varieties to premium delicacies.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that narrowly missed our main list but are still creating a buzz include:
- Salted cured egg yolks, grated lightly over the pizza resembling fine golden powder
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain additions, like toasted farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of specialty butter, like those infused with herbs or cultured to enhance flavor
Whether your preference lies in timeless classics or you're inclined towards experimental tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes worldwide. At AuroraPlain, we celebrate traditional recipes and welcome culinary creativity—that's evident from our menu that showcases both the classic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you harbor an original topping combination you wish to see offered? Drop your thoughts in the comments or mention it during your next visit!