As we advance through the year, pizza's culinary scene has been revolutionized with fresh trends, and 2023 doesn't disappoint. At WindCrestPark, keeping an eye on the global pulse of pizza aficionados is our specialty. Here are the standout pizza toppings that have taken the spotlight this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has taken center stage, introducing fermented veggies as a top pick for pizzas this season. With a flavor profile rich in tangy depth, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are the perfect counterpoints to the traditional cheese and tomato base. These toppings are not only tastefully intriguing but also enriched with probiotics, adding a novel texture to the mix.
Introducing our Fest of Fermentation pizza, this dish is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a touch of local honey offering a sweet contrast. It may seem like an atypical combination, but it's swiftly risen to be a top choice among our special pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-based trend gains momentum, the demand for pizzas adorned with innovative non-meat alternatives has skyrocketed. Moving beyond ordinary veggie toppings, the emerging variety of plant proteins has even convinced staunch carnivores.
The menu now boasts plant-sourced Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni, offering diverse flavors and a gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 has seen a wave of enthusiasm for distinct regional chili varieties on pizzas, moving away from the usual crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies remain sought-after, with increasing visibility for Aleppo pepper, ñora chilies, aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our Spicy Globetrotter pizza is a medley of these regional chilies, bringing their unique taste profiles to each slice of the pie. It's become a fan favorite for those seeking a culinary adventure with a kick.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Pizza aficionados are now experiencing the local wilderness with the rise of seasonally foraged ingredients. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and morels, featured during their seasonal peaks.
We're also experimenting with wild leeks, sea greens, and spruce tips, bringing a whiff of the forest to our pizzas and offering incomparable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Adding a drizzle of honey to pizza has created a sweet and savoury contrast that's become more than just a fad. In 2023, we've witnessed a surge in special honey types added as a finish to pizzas.
Offerings now include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and honey with a subtle smoky essence. These final drizzles turn a simple pizza into an exquisite gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that didn't quite make the top five but are still noteworthy include:
- Grated cured egg yolks lending a powdery dusting across the pizza
- Pickled stone fruits, bringing a zesty twist to the taste palette
- Ancient grain garnishes such as crispy farro for added texture
- Buttery dollops, particularly those of the artisanal variety with herbs
Whether you're a pizza purist or someone keen on experimental flavors, the pizza landscape continues to offer something for everyone. At WindCrestPark, we value both traditional recipes and modern flair, featuring both time-honored and avant-garde pizza on our menu.
Are any of these trendy toppings on your radar? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite combination you'd like us to consider? Let us know with your comments or during your next visit!