Each passing year unveils new favorites in the pizza sphere, and the trends of 2023 are certainly setting the pace. Here at QuietMarsh, keeping a finger on the pulse of global pizza aficionados' preferences is our specialty. Take a look at our compilation of the year's most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive health has transitioned into the pizza scene, as fermented veggies emerge as an unexpected fan favorite for pizza toppings in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions inject a sophisticated sour twist that nicely juxtaposes the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings aren't just tasty—they also provide functional health advantages and add delightful texture to a classic pizza base.
The Fermentation Fest pie we serve up includes our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and a touch of gorgonzola, with a sweet honey drizzle to offset the sour notes. This unconventional blend is garnering lots of requests as a top specialty pizza of ours.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets have continued their upward trajectory, resulting in an increased demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Looking past traditional veggie garnishes, the realm of plant-based proteins has expanded to include options that even true meat connoisseurs find satisfying.
Our menu now proudly highlights items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, herb-infused tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings are designed not solely for the vegetarian palette—they're chosen by many for their distinctive taste profiles and more digestible nature.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Fans of fiery flavors are celebrating 2023 as a year of pizzas dressed with distinct regional chili varieties beyond the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still in favor, while peppers like Aleppian, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gracing pizzas with their presence.
Our spicy International Heat pizza offers a quartet of these diverse chilies, with each lending a unique flavor profile to every slice. It's become a beloved choice for our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of locally-sourced ingredients has broadened to include wild foraged goods, directly from nature to your pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing prominently when in season.
We've taken the concept further by incorporating wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips, which add a uniquely forested twist to the flavor profile. These foraged delights connect our customers to the wilderness while offering irreplaceable flavors that aren't obtainable through traditional farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory that honey introduces has become deeply ingrained in the pizza landscape. Riding the wave of hot honey's previous success, this year we're witnessing a surge in specialty honey types being drizzled onto pizzas just before they're served.
Elevating simple pizzas to a new level of sophistication are varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD. These hints of sweetness are growing in popularity, reinventing classic pizza offerings as gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
There are also a handful of toppings that didn't quite make our top list but are definitely worth mentioning:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a rich umami kick
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on orchard gems like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains adding crunch, including crispy farro and puffed sorghum
- Gourmet spreads of artisanal butter, in flavors from cultured to herbed
Whether you're a purist who honors timeless favorites or a daring culinary explorer eager for innovative flavor medleys, pizza's versatility makes it an enduringly popular choice. At QuietMarsh, we strike a balance between respecting the classics and welcoming novel creations, which is why you'll encounter both the classic Margherita and boundary-pushing specialty pies in our selection.
Are there any of these trendy toppings you've tried? Or perhaps you have a particular flavor combination in mind that you'd love us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!