Each year unveils new tastes in the pizza domain, and 2023 has its own set of offerings. At CoastalRibbonBay, our pulse on the global pizza community's preferences never skips a beat. Below is our curated list of the top pizza toppings that have taken the year by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented veggies becoming this year's unexpected topping sensation. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and tangy pickled onions infuse complex flavors, wonderfully balancing the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Beyond their probiotic health perks, these fermented garnishes add intriguing textures to the classic pizza base.
Introducing our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, a blend of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and robust gorgonzola, all harmonized with a drizzle of artisanal honey. This might seem like an eclectic mix, yet it has swiftly become a fan favorite among our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has seen an uptick in plant-centered pizza toppings, as meatless options gain mainstream momentum. Beyond ordinary veggies, the advent of plant-based meat analogs has presented alternatives even staunch carnivores can enjoy.
Items like plant-sourced Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein-based pepperoni now grace our menu. These inventive proteins attract diners not just for ethical reasons, but for their distinct tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts are celebrating! This year has seen a shift towards embracing distinctive regional chili varieties, moving beyond the standard crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, while new additions like the smoldering Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang are making their marks.
For those who live for spice, our Global Heat pizza showcases a quartet of diverse regional chilies, each lending its distinct heat and flavor to our pies. It's a gastronomic journey that's been particularly well-received by our audience seeking new experiences.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has expanded to include foraging, with wild, seasonal ingredients hopping onto pizzas. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels, which offer unique seasonal flavors.
We're also incorporating wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse, and the fragrant tips of spruce. These foraged additions connect consumers with the wilderness, offering tastes not found in farmed products.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between honey's sweetness and pizza's savory aspect is gaining traction and has become more than a trend. The year 2023 witnesses a burst in the use of unique honey variants drizzled onto pizzas as a final touch.
Exotic varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and aromatic mesquite honey are popping up in eateries nationwide. These drizzles enhance even simple pizzas, imparting a gourmet appeal.
Honorable Mentions
A selection of other notable toppings that narrowly missed a spot in our top list but are making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks grated delicately over pizzas offering a dusting of umami richness
- Tangy pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain adorning such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added bite
- Dollops of exclusive butters, like cultured or herbed compound butters
Whether you're a purist who holds fast to time-honored toppings or a gadabout palate eager for bold new fusions, pizza remains the ultimate canvas for culinary creativity. At CoastalRibbonBay, we pay homage to heritage while warmly welcoming innovation, evidenced by our menu featuring both the storied Margherita and avant-garde pie creations.
Ever indulged in these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you pine for a peculiar topping combination on our menu? Share your preference in the comments, or when you next drop by!