As each year unfolds, pizza palates expand with new, trendy toppings, and 2023 has its own set of flavors taking over. At SoftValley, our pulse on global pizza preferences is ever-present, and we’re ecstatic to share this year's top tastemakers.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive health is making waves in pizza kitchens with fermented veggies gaining unexpected traction atop our doughy canvases. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are taking hold with their complex tanginess, offering both probiotic perks and a novel twist in texture.
The Fermentation Fest pie with our home-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, all sweetened with a touch of local honey, is reshaping customer cravings into an extraordinary demand.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets is mirrored on our menus with an upward swing in plant-based meat stand-ins. These aren't your typical toppings; between seasoned tempeh and pea-protein pepperoni, we're dishing out flavors to captivate the carnivores and satiate those in search of something lighter.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor warmth are embracing exotic chili peppers over conventional flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their reign, we now see a gourmet quartet of chilies like the smoky Spanish ñora and Korean gochujang adding their cultural kick to our pies.
The Global Heat pizza presents a spicy escapade with these diverse chilies, each quarter showcasing a distinct heat.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonally foraged wonders are migrating from woodlands to pizzeria kitchens. Leading this forage-to-form movement are exquisite wild mushrooms, and we're adventurous with additions like sea dulse and fragrant spruce tips, all inviting our clientele on a gustatory walk through nature.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Complementing pizzas with honey drizzles has transcended trendiness. In 2023, we're seeing specialized honeys—ranging from truffle-infused to smoky mesquite—bringing their unique zests as the final flourish.
Honorable Mentions
Other bold toppings that nearly made our list include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza for an enriched flair
- Acidic pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grains like crispy farro for an added bite
- Gourmet dollops of artisan butter, enhancing richness with cultural or herbed infusions
Whether staying true to the classics or delving into daring tastes, pizza maintains its global appeal as an adaptable culinary canvas. At SoftValley, we honor time-honored methods while celebrating the new—our menu boasts both the standard Margherita and our avant-garde creations.
Have these new-fangled toppings graced your palette? Or do you have a novel pizza fantasy we could bring to life? Share your thoughts below or drop in and let us know!