As new food trends emerge in the pizza scene each year, 2023 has been particularly notable. At VistaPineDune, we keenly observe the flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Presented here is a compilation of the most buzzworthy and sought-after pizza toppings of the moment.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health's importance has made its mark in pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables turning into a novel addition atop pizzas. Flavors such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a zesty punch that pairs well with the creamy cheeses and tomato sauces usually found on pizzas. Besides their probiotic advantages, these toppings also bring novel textural elements to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, boasting in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, topped with a hint of locally sourced honey to soften the sharp tastes, may seem unconventional but it's swiftly turned into a frequent request among our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The steady climb of plant-based diets has sparked an upsurge in pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitutes. Diverse plant-based proteins like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, tangy jackfruit as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples in our menu. These options appeal not only to vegetarians but also to those who enjoy their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those that crave spice, 2023 has seen a shift from generic red pepper flakes to particular regional chili varieties. While Calabrian chilis continue to be a favorite, we're also integrating exotic options like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilis, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The International Spice pizza is an offering with a variety of chilis from different regions, with each one adding its distinctive spice profile to a specific section of the pizza. This fiery gastronomic journey has been especially popular among our daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients provide a connection from wild environments straight to our pizzas, a concept originating from the farm-to-table movement. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing during their seasons.
Our experiments go beyond mushrooms, with additions like wild leeks known as spring ramps, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural ingredients offer unique flavors that can't be replicated by cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
We've witnessed the establishment of honey as a sweet counterpart to savory flavors on pizzas, extending beyond the previous trend of hot honey. This year has seen a burst in popularity of specialized honey variations like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD, added to pizzas right before serving to provide a depth of flavor and upgrade ordinary pizzas to gourmet marvels.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings that have barely missed our top five but are nonetheless creating a splash:
- Grated cured egg yolks, adding a luxurious texture akin to fine ribbons of gold
- Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, particularly those that are cultured or mixed with herbs
Pizza's adaptable nature makes it a perennial favorite, whether you're someone who sticks to classic flavors or enjoys exploring unconventional blends. At VistaPineDune, we pay homage to tradition as we venture into new realms of culinary creativity, offering everything from the time-honored Margherita to avant-garde specialty pies on our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you have a novel favorite that you're eager for us to try out? Share with us in the comments section or on your next visit!