The pizza landscape is forever evolving with each year bringing its own set of delectable trends. At Crust & Crumble Haven, our mission involves staying ahead of the curve in terms of pizza aficionados' preferences worldwide. Allow us to present a curated list of the year's most intriguing and favored pizza toppings now in the spotlight.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have risen in fame as the spotlight on digestive wellness shines brilliantly onto pizzerias. These toppings, from kimchi to fermented onions and sauerkraut, merge their complex, sour flavors beautifully with the creamy taste of melted cheese and hearty sauces. Besides offering probiotic virtues, they also introduce a novel mouthfeel to the classic pizza slice.
Introducing our Fermentation Fest pie, topped with in-house fermented sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and robust gorgonzola, all balanced with a dash of local honey to even out the acidity. This unusual blend is swiftly becoming a top selection amongst our array of specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The swell in plant-based diet popularity has paved the way for a surge in plant-derived proteins on pizzas, beyond mere veggies. The latest offerings of meat analogs present choices that appeal to both vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Our offerings now encompass crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and a pepperoni made from pea protein. These alternatives are favored not solely by vegetarians but also by our patrons who prefer their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a spicy kick, 2023 has marked the embrace of specific chilies with distinct regional identities rather than plain red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies hold onto their longstanding popularity, varieties such as smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gaining ground on pizzas.
Our Spice Voyage pizza is crowned with a blend of four different regional chilies, each occupying a respective quadrant and offering a unique zesty flair. This fiery ensemble has won the hearts of our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has now expanded to forest-to-table with foraged ingredients finding their way onto pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which feature prominently during peak seasons.
We've also delved into wild spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips, delivering a fragrant twist. Such natural ingredients provide an unreplicable savor that commercially grown counterparts lack.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The juxtaposition of honey's sweetness with salty savories has long outgrown its trend status. The year 2023 has ushered in an era rich with specialty honeys garnishing pizzas just before they reach your table.
Exotic variants such as truffle-infused honey, garlic-fermented honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are gracing pizza parlors nationwide. These drizzles are turning ordinary pizzas into gourmet delicacies with their complex flavors.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings nearly made our list but deserve mention for their emerging popularity:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami kick
- Pickled summer fruits like peaches and plums adding an unexpected twist
- Ancient grain sprinkles, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added crunch
- Gourmet butter dollops, particularly those with cultured herbs or compound flavors
Whether you venerate traditional toppings or venture into the realm of bold new flavors, pizza remains a canvas for culinary artistry. At Crust & Crumble Haven, we pay homage to time-honored methods while also celebrating the spirit of innovation. That’s why our menu includes both the archetypal Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have any of the latest topping trends caught your palate's interest? Or perhaps there's a unique topping combination you'd love to see? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit to our eatery!