The pizza landscape is ever-evolving, and the year 2023 has brought its own set of gastronomical fancies to the forefront. At SoftHarbor, our dedication is to keeping a pulse on the pizza aficionados’ ever-changing preferences. Here we present our curated list of the top five pizza toppings that have stolen the spotlight this season.
1. Probiotic-rich Fermented Veggies
Pizza lovers are now clamoring for toppings that support digestive wellness, with fermented vegetables emerging as a surprising fan-favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions infuse pizzas with their sharp, savory flavors, beautifully offsetting the creaminess of melted cheese and the sweet undertones of the tomato base. These toppings bring not only probiotic goodness but also add an unexpected textural contrast to the classic pizza canvas.
The latest hit, the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, is decked with house-crafted sauerkraut, tangy kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, all impeccably paired with a sweet drizzle of artisanal honey to mellow out the sharpness. Despite its unconventional profile, this special has skyrocketed to one of our top requests.
2. Plant-based Meat Substitutes
The trend of plant-based diets continues to grow, leading to a noticeable surge in plant-based meat substitute toppings for pizzas. These aren't your run-of-the-mill veggies; the meat alternatives now include things like plant-derived Italian sausage pieces, herb-infused tempeh, jackfruit treated to mimic 'pulled pork,' and 'pepperoni' crafted from pea protein. These innovative proteins cater to a wide audience, not just the vegetarian clientele, for their authentic tastes and digestion-friendly characteristics.
3. Exotic Chilies from Around the World
For those who crave a kick of heat on their pizza, local diners are seeking out distinctive chili peppers from around the globe over the usual red pepper flakes. The Calabrian chili continues to be a hot-ticket item, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and gochujang from Korea are also sprinkled atop our pies, offering an international heat experience.
The International Zest pizza is a flavor excursion with a quartet of chilies from different corners, each lending its own flavor notes to our pizza. This fiery offering has won favors with our more intrepid consumers.
4. Wild, Seasonal Foraged Additions
Local foraging is the latest twist in the farm-to-table movement, with wild, naturally occurring ingredients now gracing pizzas. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms with varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods becoming seasonal fixtures. Other foraged treasures like spring ramps, ocean-derived dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips are woven into our pies, linking patrons to an untouched natural palette of flavors that can't be replicated in a standard agricultural setting.
5. Specialty Honeys
Honey has turned into a perennial favorite for contrasting with savory elements, and in 2023, unique honeys have been sweeping across pizzerias. Honey types infused with truffle, aged garlic, mesquite smoke, and even CBD now garnish pizzas, providing a final flourish that transforms even simple topping duos into culinary sophistication.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that nearly broke into our high ranks but are definitely worthy of note include:
- Finely grated cured egg yolks, lightly dusted on top like a snowfall of gold
- Sweet pickled fruits, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Artisanal grains for crunch, like toasty farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of craft butter, including cultured varieties and those mixed with fragrant herbs
Whether you side with tradition and the classic tastes or veer towards the innovative edge willing to test pioneering flavorful blends, pizza remains an infinitely versatile and cherished dish. At SoftHarbor, we celebrate history and welcome the new—that's evident with both age-old Margherita and avant-garde creations making appearances on our menu.
Have these trending toppings reached your plate yet? Or perhaps there's an exclusive combination you’re keen to recommend? Share with us below or during your next visit!