Each new year introduces fresh tastes in pizza gastronomy, and 2023 is no different. At BayridgeCourt, we keep a pulse on the flavors that are captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. We've compiled a list of the top pizza toppings that have gained popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies are making an unexpected splash in pizza kitchens this year, thanks to the surge in gut health awareness. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a zesty punch, enhancing the rich flavors of classic cheese and tomato bases. These toppings aren't just flavorful; they bring a new textural twist and beneficial probiotics to pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese with a drizzle of local honey for sweetness to tame the sour taste. This might initially sound strange, but it's swiftly turning into a top choice among our speciality pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-based diets, there's been a surge in pizzas topped with ingenious meat-free alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetable toppings, advancements in plant proteins have given rise to options that even staunch carnivores enjoy.
Our menu features items like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, marinated tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork substitute, and pea protein pepperoni. These aren't just for those who eschew meat; they're chosen by many for their distinctive taste profiles and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Peppers
For those who seek a spicy kick, 2023 is a banner year. Pizza aficionados are opting for distinct chili varieties from different regions instead of general red pepper sprinkles. While Calabrian peppers remain a longstanding favorite, we're now featuring others like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The International Spiciness pizza is a mix of four diverse regional chilies, each lending a distinct flavor profile to sections of the pizza, offering a fiery gastronomic trip that's favored by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Wild Ingredients
The wild-to-plate movement is catching on, as foraged seasonal ingredients gain popularity on pizzas. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are at the forefront, gracing pizzas during their peak seasons.
Apart from fungi, we're incorporating wild spring onions, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients draw customers closer to the wild while delivering flavors that farmed produce cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Accents
Honey's ability to contrast with savory elements has firmly entrenched it as a favorite finish. Expanding on the trend of spicy honey, this year has brought a variety of special honey types that are drizzled onto pizzas just before they're served.
We have an assortment of unique honey like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky honey varieties, providing a refined touch that can turn simple pizza recipes into exquisite culinary creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that just fell short of making the top five, but are nonetheless impactful, include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, like toasted farro or popped sorghum, to add crunch
- Gourmet butter spots, like cultured or herb-infused butter varieties
Whether you stick to time-honored choices or seek out novel topping experiments, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At BayridgeCourt, we respect the classics while also leading the charge in culinary creativity, offering both the quintessential Margherita and boundary-pushing creations on our menu.
Have these exciting new toppings made it onto your radar? Or perhaps there's a particular flavor combination you think we should try? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit.