The pizza scene is ever-evolving, and the year 2023 has introduced new tastes that pizza aficionados are eager to explore. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, our team keeps a close watch on the global preferences of pizza fans. Below you will find a compiled list of the most thrilling and favoured pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The rise in popularity of gut health has influenced pizza makers to top their creations with fermented veggies, resulting in a growing fan base. Tangy-tasting kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding a new dimension of flavor that perfectly pairs with the hearty tastes of cheese and dough. Not only do these toppings enhance the pizza's taste, but they also offer health benefits with their probiotic properties and introduce an exciting textural element into the mix.
Our unique Fermentation Fiesta pizza is adorned with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of regional honey to smooth out the zestful taste. Although it may seem like an odd pairing, it's swiftly become a sought-after option among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diet popularity has not skipped the pizza industry, leading to a significant upturn in the demand for pizza with innovative meat substitutes. Far beyond the usual vegetable toppings, the advent of plant-based protein sources has introduced selections that truly satiate even the most passionate meat enthusiasts.
On our pizzas now, you can find plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, herbed tempeh, jackfruit concoctions mimicking pulled pork, and pepperoni-alternatives made from pea protein. These plant proteins are not solely enjoyed by vegans and vegetarians; they've also been chosen by many of our patrons for their unique tastes and the lessened impact on digestion they offer.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
If you're inclined towards spicy flavours, 2023 has not disappointed. This year, connoisseurs are selecting specific regional chilies instead of the commonplace red pepper flakes. Despite the ongoing popularity of Calabrian chilies, we've also observed the inclusion of Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang sauce as toppings on our pizzas.
Joining these spicy ingredients, our Global Fire pizza provides a selection of four different chilies from multiple regions, all adding distinct tastes to separate sections of the pizza. It's become a must-try for customers who lean toward more audacious flavour profiles.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of local sourcing has extended from farms directly to pizza kitchens with the growing trend of using wild, seasonal, foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms appearing when in season.
In addition to these fungi, we're bringing in wild ramps, sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even the distinctive flavor of spruce tips. These natural ingredients offer our customers a connection to the earth while imparting flavours that cannot be found in more conventional ingredients.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has long been recognized for its ability to enhance the sweet-savoury balance of a pizza, and the trend has continued to gain momentum in 2023. This year, a variety of unique honey types are being drizzled over the pizza just as it's served.
Options such as truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD honey have found their place on our menu. These special final touches add a sophisticated flavour that can transform even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Aside from our top selections, there are several other toppings deserving of recognition that include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza, giving it a lavish topping similar to lightly falling snow
- Pickled fruits, particularly those using stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, adding variety in texture
- Gourmet butter concoctions, especially those that involve cultured or herb-infused butters
Whether you're someone who cherishes traditional flavours or is willing to challenge your palate with innovative combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At Dough Maestro's Pizzeria, we pay homage to the time-honored classics while also celebrating the new—this is evident by the array of both conventional Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings yet? Or perhaps there's an exclusive topping mix you'd love to see us introduce? Share your thoughts below in the comments or during your next visit to our location!