Each new year introduces fresh trends in the pizza scene, and 2023 is no different. At BroadHaven, we're keenly observing which flavors are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Below are the top trending pizza toppings that have made a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes a central food trend, fermented veggies have emerged as a surprising crowd-pleaser on pizzas. Ingredients like kimchi, pickled onions, and sauerkraut are providing a zesty complexity that blends perfectly with the creamy texture of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings aren't just a boon for gut-friendly flora; they also offer a novel twist to pizza's texture profile.
Our Cultured Combo pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and tangy gorgonzola, with a touch of local honey to round out the flavors. This unexpected combination has rapidly become a new favorite among our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people embrace plant-based diets, the demand for meat-free alternatives on pizza has soared. Far beyond the regular veggie toppings, the evolution of plant proteins has brought new choices that even the staunchest meat followers admire.
New to our selection are toppings like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, seasoned tempeh, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni. These alternative proteins are popular not only with vegetarians but also with guests who prefer their unique taste profiles and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has delivered for those who favor spicy flavors, with pizza lovers now opting for specific regional chilies instead of standard pepper flakes. The must-have Calabrian chilies are still in vogue, but now Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have also started gracing pizza toppings.
Our International Spice pizza sports an assortment of these four unique chilies, offering a distinct taste sensation in each section. It's been particularly well-received by our guests who are eager for culinary adventures.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients have moved from the forest floor straight onto pizzas, benefiting from the enthusiasm for local and seasonal produce. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each arriving on our menu as they come into season.
Our foraging doesn’t stop there—we've also added spring ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips for their distinctive, aromatic twist. These wild ingredients forge a connection with nature while offering unparalleled tastes.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to counterpoint savory flavors has firmly entrenched it as more than a fleeting craze. Specialty honeys like truffle, fermented garlic, mesquite, and even CBD-infused varieties are now being drizzled on pizzas, adding a sophisticated final flourish.
The use of these distinctive honeys complements and heightens even the simplest of pizzas, bestowing them with gourmet flair.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that nearly made the top list include:
- Shaved cured egg yolks, lending a luxurious finish akin to a fine dusting of snow
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits like apricots and cherries being particularly favored
- Grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding textural contrast
- Various artisanal butters, including those infused with herbs, contributing rich flavors
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're keen to explore novel taste fusions, pizza remains a globally cherished and versatile dish. At BroadHaven, we pay homage to tradition while also pursuing the avant-garde, offering you an array of pizzas from the classic Margherita to our avant-garde specials.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive mix in mind that you'd love us to create? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit to our establishment!