Each year, the pizza industry is infused with fresh gastronomic fads, and 2023 has its share of highlights. At EvenFieldLane, we keep a close watch on the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Allow us to introduce you to this year's top trending pizza adornments that are creating a stir.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a priority in the pizza domain, leading to the unexpected rise of fermented vegetables on pizza menus. Tangy toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are winning over fans by perfectly pairing with the rich, creamy cheeses and sauces. Not only do these ferments come with probiotic perks, but they add novel textures to the traditional pizza landscape.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all topped off with a drizzle of artisan honey to soften the sharp flavors. It may seem like an odd mix, but it's fast on track to become a fan favorite among our signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-centric diets are only gaining momentum, driving a surge in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond usual veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based protein bring forth alternatives that even ardent carnivores are happy to tuck into.
Items like vegan sausage crumbles, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni now grace our menu regularly. These options aren't solely for plant-eaters—many customers are drawn to their distinctive tastes and gentler digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a spicy kick, the year has welcomed a preference for distinct chili varieties specific to various regions rather than the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to ride their wave of popularity, there's growing enthusiasm for chilies like the fragrant Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the rich Korean gochujang.
Our International Heat pizza delivers a quartet of these global chilies, giving each slice of the pizza a distinct heat profile. It’s particularly popular among our patrons with adventurous palates.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What began as the farm-to-table trend has expanded into the world of pizza with forest-to-table, foraged components becoming a hit. Leading this category are wild mushrooms, with prized kinds like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making regular appearances in their peak seasons.
We're also exploring spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips with their singular aromatic notes. These ingredients offer a connection to the wild and impart flavors unmatched by farmed crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to counterbalance savory with sweet has cemented its place beyond a fleeting fad. This year has introduced a range of unique honey varietals used as finishing touches on pizzas right before they're served.
Decadent options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even varieties infused with health-enhancing additives make their way onto gourmet menus. These final drizzles add depth and sophistication to even the simplest of pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings close to making our top five but still deserving of mention include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pie
- Quickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain garnishes like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Artisanal butter, especially cultured or herbed variations, dotted atop
Whether you're a purist who sticks with timeless classics or a culinary explorer eager for novel flavors, pizza remains the epitome of a versatile and universally cherished dish. At EvenFieldLane, we respect time-honored methods while also welcoming the new—that's why you'll see both the perennial favorite Margherita and innovative modern pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these trending toppings piqued your interest? Or maybe you have an eclectic topping combo you're itching to see featured? Drop us a line in the comments or on your next visit!