As the years change, so do the trends in the pizza topping world, and the innovations of 2023 are certainly no different. At HolmridgePark, we're constantly keeping tabs on the flavors that are captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our lineup of the top five pizza toppings that are taking this year by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As the emphasis on gut health has infiltrated pizza joints, fermented vegetables are now a hit. Additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending complex, tangy tastes that beautifully offset the creamy pizza toppings. These fermented choices are beneficial for gut health and add fresh textures to the conventional pizza experience.
Our signature Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, all drizzled with some local honey to counterbalance the savor. This may seem like an eccentric blend, but it is rapidly becoming a sought-after choice amongst our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based eating shows no signs of waning, and this is reflected in the surge of pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. A step up from typical veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins are now providing alternatives that even hard-core carnivores can enjoy.
We're talking about plant-sourced Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork marinade, and pea protein pepperoni that have all joined our eclectic menu. These plant-powered proteins aren't exclusive to vegans – a lot of our patrons choose them for their distinctive tastes and how they feel lighter on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who fancy some kick on their pizza are in luck! The year 2023 has witnessed pizza lovers gravitating towards specific varieties of regional chilies over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be favored, while varieties like Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, Peruvian aji amarillo with a fruity note, and Korean gochujang are also gracing pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a daring combination of four distinct chilies, assigning each its own quadrant of the pizza, providing a fiery taste experience. This combination has particularly appealed to those with a penchant for bold flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Wild ingredients straight from nature's bounty are all the rage, with an uptick in the use of seasonally foraged toppings. This trend is led by wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are featured at their peak seasons.
We're not stopping at mushrooms – our explorations include wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer a taste of wilderness while offering flavors that cannot be replicated in cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey, known for its sweet and savory flavor profile, has solidified its place as more than just a fleeting fad. Building on the zeal for spicy honey in years past, we have seen a variety of unique honeys drizzled atop pizzas before they're served.
Exotic options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey with added CBD are cropping up on pizza menus nationwide. These drizzles aren't mere afterthoughts—they add layers of flavor complexity and transform even the simplest of pizzas into an exquisite dish.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to our top five, here are several other toppings that are worth mentioning:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shredded atop pizzas for a touch of golden richness.
- Pickled fruits that bring a tart twist, with stone fruits like peaches and cherries turning heads.
- Ancient grain toppings that offer crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum.
- Dollops of craft butter, like cultured or savory compound varieties for a burst of flavor.
Whether you stand by the all-time favorites or are eager to delve into these novel topping trends, pizza continues to be one of the most versatile and universally loved dishes. At HolmridgePark, we celebrate time-honored recipes while wholeheartedly diving into modern creativity – which is why both timeless classics and innovative creations populate our menu.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings, or do you harbor a special combo you'd love to see us offer? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share them the next time you drop by!