Each year unveils novel food trends, especially within the pizza scene, and 2023 has brought its own set of exciting developments. At ButterCreamLoaf, we make an effort to keep track of the top choices captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. This list encapsulates the top tasteful and avant-garde pizza toppings finding popularity presently.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented veggies like kimchi, sauerkraut, and tangy pickled onions creating a sensation. Not only do these foods provide probiotic goodness, but they also add multifaceted textures to the pizza experience.
The unconventional yet increasingly popular Fermentation Festivity pizza at our shop combines in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and pungent gorgonzola, all balanced with a touch of local honey. This pie has swiftly ascended to become a top-requested offering in our specialty range.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets gain traction, there's a noticeable growth in plant-based toppings as meat substitutes. Beyond basic veggies, advancements in meatless options have introduced savory alternatives that can fulfil the cravings of staunch carnivores.
Our menu regularly features items such as vegan Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and protein-rich pepperoni made from peas. These toppings appeal not only to vegetarians but also to those looking for divergent flavors and a lighter meal experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery kick, 2023 has been transformative with its embrace of particular chili varieties over generic pepper flakes. Continued favorites like Calabrian chilies now share the spotlight with aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and flavorful Korean gochujang.
The Global Heat pizza offers a fusion of four distinct regional chilies, each lending a distinctively fiery taste to sections of the pizza. This pie has seen great popularity among our diners with intrepid taste preferences.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table trends have expanded into the pizza realm with a surge in foraged ingredients gathered seasonally. Leading the way are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which surface at various times of the year.
We're also experimenting with other wild finds like spring ramps, oceanic plants including dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. Such toppings not only provide a unique taste but also help to bridge the connection between our customers and the wilderness.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory via honey has become a staple finish on our pizzas. The array of specialty honey being utilized has expanded, including variations like truffle, garlicky fermented, smoky, and honey infused with CBD.
This flourish of sweetness wraps up the pizza with complexity, taking even the simplest of pizza bases to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Not making the top five but still noteworthy are these intriguing toppings:
- Grated cured egg yolks, resembling fine golden dust atop the pizza
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Grains with heritage, like crispy farro or sorghum, adding crunchy textures
- Dollops of specialty butter, particularly those cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're inclined toward adventurous flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At ButterCreamLoaf, we honor the classics while welcoming the new, reflected in our range from the traditional Margherita to the forefront of pizza innovation.
Have you sampled any of these trending additions? Or do you have a distinctive pairing you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments, or talk to us during your next visit!