Each new year ushers in fresh tastes in the pizza realm, and 2023 is no different. At DriftPlain, keeping a pulse on the global pizza palate is our forte. We are thrilled to share this list of the most engaging and beloved pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now focused on promoting digestive health, with fermented vegetables emerging as the surprise stars on pizzas. These toppings, including kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, introduce complex tangy notes that perfectly balance the creamy flavors of cheese and sauce. Besides their probiotic-rich profiles, these fermented options are bringing new textural experiences to the classic pizza pie.
Our Fermentation Festivity pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, home-style kimchi, and tangy gorgonzola cheese, with a final touch of local honey to create a beautifully balanced flavor. It may seem like an unlikely pairing, but it's become one of our standout specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain more followers, we're witnessing a surge in pizza toppings that are vegetarian friendly, yet appealing to everyone. These aren't just your typical veggies; there are exciting new plant-based proteins that are convincing even the most ardent carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage chunks, spiced tempeh, jackfruit prepared in a 'pulled pork' style, and pea protein 'pepperoni' are now staples in our kitchen. These aren't exclusively for vegetarians; many customers enjoy them for their distinctive tastes and ease on the stomach.
3. Regional Chilis
2023 has pleased those who prefer their pizzas with a kick, veering away from standard pepper flakes in favor of distinct regional chilis. While Calabrian chilis remain popular, we're now finding Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilis, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang featured on our pizzas.
Our Global Heatwave pizza showcases a blend of four distinctive regional chilis, providing a unique flavor to each quarter of the pizza. It's become a hit particularly with our customers who are up for a fiery culinary journey.
4. Wild Foraged Additions
The burgeoning trend of wild foraging has extended from the woods to the pizza, with expertly gathered ingredients in the spotlight. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which appear atop our pizzas in their season.
Expanding beyond fungi, our experimental toppings have included spring ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and fresh spruce tips for an aromatic twist. These naturally sourced components offer unbeatable flavors while reconnecting diners with the wilderness.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Honey has become a mainstay in creating a savory-sweet dynamic on pizzas. Following the wake of hot honey's popularity, now we see a rise in gourmet honey varieties gently drizzled over our pizzas prior to serving.
Specialties like truffle honey, garlic honey, smoky honey, and even honey infused with CBD are making their mark in eateries nationwide. These special finishing drizzles lend a sophisticated flair and elevate even the simplest pizza combinations to the ranks of gourmet cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that just missed making our top five but deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizzas to resemble a delicate dusting of gold
- Preserved fruits, with a focus on pitted varieties like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes that provide a crunchy texture, such as toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter dollops, especially those cultured or mixed with herbs for distinctive flavor
It doesn't matter if you're a purist who stands by the traditional toppings or if you're open to exploring daring new flavors; pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At DriftPlain, we pride ourselves on honoring timeless recipes while also embracing novel culinary creations—that's why our menu boasts both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these contemporary toppings caught your fancy? Or maybe there's an innovative combo you're itching to find on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop us a line when you drop by!