As the years unfold, the world of pizza garnishes continually evolves, and the year 2023 is no different. At OpenLaneHub, we keep a keen eye on the flavors captivating pizza aficionados globally. Here we present a curated list of this year's most compelling and beloved pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive health has journeyed to pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies making an unexpected splash on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending complex, zestful tastes that balance the creamy qualities of cheeses and sauces. These toppings not only offer probiotic gains but also add interesting new textures to classic pizza profiles.
Featured in our Fermentation Fiesta pie, homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese are paired, topped off with a drizzle of local honey to offset the sour notes. Though it may seem unconventional, this distinctive recipe is swiftly climbing the ranks as a favored choice among our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets gain traction, we've noticed an upswing in pizza orders with innovative meat-free options. Moving beyond ordinary veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have paved the way for choices that even impress staunch carnivores.
Options such as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, tasty jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a place on our regular offerings. These alternatives cater not only to vegetarians but also appeal to customers seeking distinctive tastes and a less heavy dietary impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of fire, 2023 has marked an inclination towards pizzas graced with unique regional chilies, moving away from commonplace pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have continued their prior success, new kids on the block such as Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, Peruvian aji amarillo with its fruity zest, and Korean gochujang are also gracing pies with their presence.
Our International Heatwave pizza is an array of four different regional chilies, each corner of the pizza offering its distinct taste sensation. This fiery exploration has turned into a crowd-pleaser among our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has branched out as foraged finds from the wild to pizza is catching on. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including such varieties as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which pop up seasonally.
In addition to mushrooms, we're experimenting with wild spring ramps, marine plants like dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These elements offer patrons a connection to the wilderness and deliver tastes that can't be matched by cultivated products.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory provided by honey has established a lasting role in the world of pizza. Expanding on the success of spicy honey in the past years, 2023 has brought a surge in unique honey varieties being drizzled onto pizzas just before they're served.
Some of the new entries include truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and other specialty honey varieties, which are dotting menus nationwide. These nuanced flavors add depth and can transform even straightforward pizza creations into high-end delicacies.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that haven't made it into our main list but are still making a mark include:
- Preserved egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a luxurious topping
- Quick pickled fruits, with a highlight on stone fruits such as cherries and apricots
- Ancient grains as toppings, for example, crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for an added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, like cultured or compound butters with herbs
Whether your preference lies with timeless classics or you're someone who enjoys venturing into new flavor territories, pizza remains an ever-versatile and cherished dish. At OpenLaneHub, we pay homage to the traditional while wholeheartedly welcoming new innovations—that's the reason our lineup includes both the quintessential Margherita and boundary-pushing signature pizzas.
Have any of these trendy toppings made it to your plate? Or perhaps you have a signature topping idea you're eager for us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your subsequent visit to our establishment!