As we advance through the calendar, the realm of pizza sees fresh gastronomic fads, with 2023 not falling behind. At CoastalSandDune, keeping a pulse on the preferences of pizza aficionados is what we do best. We're excited to share this year's list of the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizza establishments are getting on board with the emphasis on gut wellness, showcasing fermented veggies as this year's unexpected topping hit. Flavors from kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer a complex, tangy zest that pairs well with the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only a boon for probiotic health but also add intriguing new textures to the classic pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, a new addition to our menu, comes loaded with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, balanced with a sweet touch of local honey. It might strike some as an odd mix, yet it's gathering momentum as a favorite specialty offering.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The penchant for plant-based diets doesn't seem to wane and, following suit, there's been a spike in plant-based meat alternatives adorning our pizzas. Moving beyond typical veggies, the latest plant-based proteins are luring even staunch carnivores.
Expect to find plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit styled as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni on our menus. These options attract patrons not just for their vegetarian virtues but for their distinctive flavors and a gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating! Pizza lovers in 2023 are gravitating towards specific chilies from various regions, moving away from nondescript red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their run from past years, this year introduces the likes of the Aleppo pepper, smoked Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang into the mix.
The Global Heat pizza is a daring choice featuring a selection of four different regional chilies, with each one lending its distinctive notes to sections of the pizza, luring in the thrill-seeking clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of farm-to-table has transcended into the pizza sphere with wild-foraged ingredients taking center stage. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showcasing their presence seasonally.
Additionally, our foraging endeavors have brought us wild ramps (wild leeks), maritime greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These components offer diners a genuine taste of the wild, with flavors unattainable in cultivated crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a luscious sweet-savory balance on pizza has become a staple, not just a fleeting craze. 2023 has witnessed an outburst in special honey variations being lavishly sprinkled onto pizzas just prior to being served.
Diverse types of honey such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-honey are being discovered on menus nationwide. These final gourmet garnishes introduce an added layer of depth, taking even the simplest pizza to new gourmet heights.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top picks but are nonetheless making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich dusting
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter, including options like cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether your palate leans towards the old-school favorites or you're up for navigating bold, innovative flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At CoastalSandDune, we value tradition as much as we celebrate the new—that's why our menu showcases both timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you have an inventive combo you'd love to see featured? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!