Each year ushers in fresh pizza topping trends, and 2023 is no different. At SerenePortWay, we keep a close watch on what flavors are enchanting pizza aficionados worldwide. Here’s our list of the top five pizza toppings that are dominating this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
As gut health gains attention, fermented veggies have unexpectedly become popular on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending complex sour notes that nicely balance out the creamy cheese and sauce. Not only do these toppings offer probiotic advantages but they also bring new textures to the classic pizza.
Our “Fermentation Fiesta” pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a final touch of local honey to counteract the sour taste. Although it may seem like a strange mix, it’s rapidly become a top-requested pie.
2. Plant-sourced Proteins
As more people adopt plant-based diets, we’ve observed a surge in interest for pizzas with inventive non-meat toppings. Beyond the typical vegetable options, cutting-edge substitutions for meat are satisfying even the most avid carnivores.
We now regularly feature toppings like plant-sourced Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni on our menu. These aren’t just for vegetarians—customers love them for their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Distinct Pepper Variants
For those who like it hot, 2023 has seen a trend towards specific pepper varieties from particular regions, moving away from ordinary crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked, we’re also seeing a rise in the use of Aleppo pepper, smoked Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang featured on pizzas.
Our “Global Spiciness” pizza includes a mix of these four distinct peppers, providing each slice with its own characteristic taste. This spicy treat has become a favorite for our more daring patrons.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
Farmers' market freshness has transitioned to forest-to-pizza with the growing appeal of wild foraged additions. Leading this wave are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, making appearances in their prime seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we’ve introduced wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic touch. These components offer a connection to the natural environment and flavors that cultivated ingredients can’t match.
5. Artisanal Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweetness from honey against savory notes has secured its place in the pizza world. Following the trend of spicy honey, 2023 has witnessed a surge in specialty honey types applied as a final touch to pizzas.
Options like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic essence, mesquite-smoked honey, and CBD-influenced honey are making rounds in pizzerias nationwide. These drizzles add depth and transform even the simplest pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
While the following toppings didn’t make our main list, they’re still creating buzz:
- Preserved egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza for a velvety finish
- Pickled tree fruits, particularly peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum adding texture
- Gourmet butter spots, especially those infused with culture or blended with herbs
Whether you lean towards age-old classics or relish the opportunity to experiment with bold new flavor pairings, pizza remains an endlessly adaptable and widely cherished dish. Here at SerenePortWay, we respect tradition yet also welcome new twists—that’s why our menu features both time-honored Margherita and trailblazing specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these top picks? Or do you have a particular favorite that you’d love to see featured? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!